Islamabad, Aug 21 (IANS): Pakistani Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said the army was prepared to bring a halt to the spiralling violence in Karachi if asked by the government to do so.

Kayani Saturday expressed concern over the law and order situation in the port city of Karachi, The News reported.

Violence over the past few weeks in Karachi has left over 300 people dead. At least 11 people, including six policemen, were killed Saturday. The latest wave of violence gripped the city after Pakistan People's Party former lawmaker Ahmed Karimdad was killed in the Lyari area Aug 17.

Kayani told the daily that it was the duty of the army to serve the nation.

The general, however, skirted a question on whether the government had got in touch with him to call out the army in Karachi.

He said that the situation could be brought under control by utilising the services of the paramilitary Rangers and police in an effective manner.

He added that Karachi was the jugular vein of the country's economy.

To a query on whether wants to itself intervene in the matter, the army chief said it was impossible.

He added that central and provincial governments were hectically engaged over the issue, the media report said.