Supporters protested after a number of party workers were detained
Security forces have raided the Karachi headquarters of Pakistan's fourth biggest political party, detaining "hardcore criminals" and seizing arms.
Col Tahir Mahmood said troops acted on information that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was hiding criminals.
Schools and businesses across the city closed down amid fears of a backlash.
The MQM, which has urged a national protest, has long been accused of using violence and intimidation to control Karachi - claims it denies.
At various times in its 30-year history, the MQM has been part of the national governing coalition.
But leader Altaf Hussain lives in self-imposed exile in London, where he is being investigated over money-laundering allegations.
And its control of Karachi is increasingly being challenged by ethnic gangs, says the BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad.
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