KARACHI: Hundreds of residents of Lyari’s Bihar Colony staged a protest as PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led a rally of his supporters in the area to kickstart his election campaign.

According to reports, protesters pelted the convoy with stones, smashing windows of the vehicles.

At least two PPP workers have been injured in the attack. 

Bilawal’s convoy remains stuck in the area for half an hour as police and PPP worker are unable to diffuse the situation.

“Under a planned conspiracy, attempts are being made to defame Lyari,” a PPP candidate told Geo TV. 

Yousuf Baloch, a central PPP leader, said that the protest was being held by his party's old opponents.

"We can give a befitting response to our opponents, but our chairman has advised against it," he said.

According to reports, the rally is being diverted  to other areas where PPP enjoys good support. 

Bilawal Bhutto spokesman Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar appealed to his workers to remain peaceful.

“Political parties indulging in violence cannot block our path. We will not respond to violence with more violence but with a political process,” he said, urging district administration, police and Rangers to play their role to address the issue.

The spokesman also called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of the violence.

He said that administration would be held responsible for tension if it failed to stop elements who believe in violence. 

The PPP chief is contesting from NA-246, Karachi. 

"This is my first election and I'm contesting my first election from #Lyari. People of Lyari always supported my mother Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and I know they will also support me. I will complete the mission of SMBB," he told his supporters during the visit.