Clashes erupted between two rival ethnic groups — the Urdu and the Pashtun — in Karachi on 29 November 2008 and have continued into 1 December. At least 32 people have been killed and dozens of others injured in the civil unrest, as mobs of youths armed with sticks and batons ransacked shops and vehicles. At least 100 people were arrested and police officers were reportedly ordered to shoot rioters on sight. The violence began in slum areas, but there were incidents of civil unrest reported in other parts of the city. The situation has somewhat stabilized on 1 December, but sporadic gunfire continues to be heard in different parts of the city. Despite denials of involvement by political parties, the clashes had a political tint as those involved were reportedly connected to the political parties Muttahida Qaumi Movement (the ruling party) and the Awami National Party.