Islamabad, Aug 28 (IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has termed the ongoing violence in Karachi as the "biggest challenge" for the government and urged people to support the police operations.

The current spate of violence that erupted in July has left over 300 people dead. At least 185 people have been arrested in the southern port city for involvement in target killings, extortion, land grabbing and narcotics deals.

"It is a provincial initiative which will have full backing of the federal government. The solution of Karachi lies within rule of law," Gilani was quoted as saying by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

Gilani said that while the government is engaged in efforts to strengthen democracy in the country, anti-state elements were busy creating situations detrimental to economic growth and stability.

"We need to raise our guard against these disruptive forces so as to move forward unimpeded," he said.

Gilani said he was a "great believer" in the politics of consensus and reconciliation --attributes that constitute the essence of democracy.

However, achieving consensus requires sacrifice, understanding, patience and commonality of purpose, the prime minister said.