Pakistani Politician was stabbed and beaten

A PAKISTANI politician who was attacked on his way home from work died of multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma to the head, it has emerged.

Colleagues of Imran Farooq, 50, fear he was deliberately targeted by opponents. He was found stabbed and beaten to death outside his home in Green Lane, Edgware, central London, shortly before 5pm on Thursday. Detectives issued an urgent appeal for witnesses as they continued their door-to-door inquiries.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said yesterday: "A post mortem took place at Finchley Mortuary and gave cause of death as multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma to the head."

The senior Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) party member was living in exile after fleeing his homeland 11 years ago following death threats.

His murder sparked violence in Karachi on Friday, where vehicles and shops were set alight despite a call for ten days of peaceful mourning.

Raza Haroon, a fellow member of the MQM and friend of Farooq, said the victim had "so many enemies" but did not have any personal protection.

Asked whether the killing was politically motivated, he replied: "Yes, because he was outspoken and because of his affiliation with the MQM. And also because he had sought asylum in this country after fearing for his life."