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September 02, 2006 Saturday Sha'aban 8, 1427


KARACHI: Strike paralyses life in Karachi



By Arman Sabir


KARACHI, Sept 1: Life in city was paralysed by a complete shutter-down observed on Friday in response to the call given by the opposition parties in protest against the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, during an army operation in Kohlu on Aug 26.

Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary force was made to maintain law and order and except for the killing of two Rangers personnel and a few incidents of sporadic violence, the strike remained peaceful. Some incidents of rioting were reported in Lyari, Lasbella, Jehangir Road, Old Golimar and Malir.

Almost all commercial and industrial establishments remained closed and public transport off the road.

Traders responded positively to the opposition’s strike call as all major markets, commercial and business conerns and shopping centres remained closed since morning. Most government and private employees preferred to stay indoors.

Boulton Market, Empress Market, Electronic Market (Saddar), Zaibunnisa Street, Jodia Bazaar, Hyderi Market, KDA Market (Gulshan-i-Iqbal), as well as the markets in Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Korangi, Lyari, Tariq Road, Clifton, etc., wore a deserted look as shops remained closed and there was no customer.

Industrial activity at all the industrial zones of the city was badly affected as workers and managerial staff could not turn up at work, resulting in low production. Movement of goods carriers between the port and other parts of the city also remained suspended, affecting port activity badly.

Attendance in government offices, as well as those of the city government at the Civic Centre and Old KMC building, was thin. Most of the bank branches and fuel stations in the city remained closed.

Public transport remained off the road throughout the day although a few buses and minibuses were seen plying in the evening.

The departure of intercity buses from the city remained suspended on Friday.

A few intercity buses arrived at Sohrab Goth from some upcountry destinations, but they did not enter the city owing to fear of being attacked. Passengers disembarking at Sohrab Goth faced immense hardship in reaching their destinations in the city due to non-availability of public transport means.

The strike also affected working at public and private health care centres, including major hospitals and clinics, as medical, paramedical and other staff could not turn up owing to the absence of public transport means.

Medical stores and pharmacies in most areas also remained closed, creating problems for patients.

Activity at the fruit and vegetable market (Sabzi Mandi) on Super Highway was also badly affected due to the strike. A member of the market committee said that the retailers and vendors routinely visiting the market every morning could not turn up due to the transport problem.

The number of trucks bringing in fruit and vegetable stocks from interior of Sindh and other areas was also negligible.



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