ISLAMABAD, March 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Friday to break up a crowd of hundreds of stone-throwing demonstrators in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi, who protested against U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the country.

    The police fired tear gas shells and used batons to disperse the demonstrators when the latter tried to march toward the American consulate in the city, according to local press reports.

    The angry demonstrators broke police cordons at different places and moved toward the American consulate.

    They burnt American flag and effigy of Bush, and chanted slogans against Bush.

    Some of the demonstrators were carrying portraits of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

    Speakers condemned Bush's visit, saying his visit is part of a conspiracy against Iran.

    The police confirmed arrest of 10 demonstrators who threw stones at police. But the organizers said that dozens of activists were rounded up.

    Bush is scheduled to arrive in the Pakistani capital Friday night on a two-day visit after concluding his three-day trip to India. Enditem