KARACHI, Aug 14: A riot erupted today in this southern port city after police fired on surging crowds celebrating Pakistan's 50th anniversary. Two young men were killed.

Thousands of people gathered outside the tomb of the nation's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in a colorful ceremony that quickly turned from jubilant to violent.

Enraged, several people took off their shoes and began throwing them at the police, witnesses said.

One officer turned and sprayed bullets into the crowd, killing Mohammed Yousuf, 22, witnesses said.Another young man, who has not yet been identified, also died.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.