On the call of opposition parties, complete strike was observed in Sialkot and its adjoining areas on Monday to condemn the Karachi killings, while police apprehended dozens of workers of different political parties.
All shopping centres, commercial areas and bazaars remained closed in the city. Transport was very thin as a result of which people, particularly womenfolk, faced serious hardships and rickshaws and wagon drivers minted money in many parts of the city. In the suburban areas of Sialkot, some small shops remained open.
People strongly condemned the killing of innocent people in Karachi, and expressed complete solidarity with the bereaved families. They also condemned the firing on Aaj TV, and alleged that the government was trying its utmost to strangulate the voice of media through its evil designs. The role of print and electronic media had become more imperative at this juncture for highlighting the true stories to keeping the people updated, they said.
Meanwhile, the district administration had taken measures to maintain law and order. However, no unpleasant incident had been reported from any part of Sialkot and its adjoining areas. In many places special Dua was offered for the departed souls and for the early recovery of the injured persons.
FAISALABAD: Industrial city observed a complete shutter down strike on the call of the opposition protesting against the mayhem in Karachi, while the lawyers have totally boycotted the courts and took out protest procession.
All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (Punjab Zone), Printing Press Association and Anjuman Tajiran City are fully participating in the strike and all the minor and major markets besides shopping centres around the Clock Tower observed shutter down strike on the call of the opposition.
The shops and trading centers of Faisalabad Yarn Market, Grain Market, all Cloth Markets, Quaid-e-Azam Market Dijkot Road, Hosiery Factories and Powerlooms Units and adjoining ancillary industries were remained closed.
However, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, All Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, Faisalabad Dry Port Trust and Banks are not participated in the strike.
The lawyers of Faisalabad District Bar Association stayed away from the courts on the call of Lawyers' organisations in protest against the Karachi situation and against the unbecoming treatment meted out to the Chief Justice. Black flags were hoisted at the offices of the Bar Council and Bar Association.