Murtaza Bhutto

COMPLETE STRIKE OBSERVED IN KARACHI AND
OTHER TOWNS OF SINDH.
Karachi, Sept 26, 1996: The protest strike at the call of PPP ( SB ) endorsed by
the 10- Parties opposition alliance including PML ( N ), MQM, JI, ANP and
others was effectively observed today in all parts of Karachi including the
traditional strongholds of the ruling PPP. Traffic was thin and public
transport was almost off the roads in response to the strike call given by the
PPP (SB) to protest against the killing of Mir Murtaza Bhutto and six others
last Friday.
Due to a visibly reduced presence of public transport, people found it
difficult to reach their work places, and the attendance in most of the offices
was reported as low. During the morning hours this scribe saw a number of
commuters both men and women at the bus stops waiting for their respective
buses, rickshaws and taxis. However private vehicles and a few KTC buses
were seen plying on the roads.
Vehicles of Sindh Police, and Rangers were also seen patrolling in different
city areas to avoid any untoward incident. Meanwhile private schools and
educational institutions were also closed. Business centers too wore a
deserted look and except for a few hawkers and road side vendors all shops
were closed due to the call given by the PPP (SB) and the ten party
Opposition alliance.
Reports from other towns of Sindh suggested complete strike in the cities,
tehsil towns and the rural sectors. In Karachi’s Trans- Lyari area some people
made bonfires on roads and incidents of pelting of stones on the passing
vehicles were also reported. However, by and large the strike remained
peaceful. PPP (SB) sources however claimed that the police rounded up many
persons as a preventive measure and most of the party workers have gone
underground.
Rangers and personnel of the Frontier Constabulary were seen patrolling and
police mobile were posted at sensitive points. In Karachi’s suburban sectors,
known as the stronghold of the ruling PPP, the strike was reportedly
observed completely. Attendance in offices was thin, Schools remained closed
and OPD’s at government hospitals were virtually deserted Shopping centers
and commercial establishments also remained closed. Life in the interior
Murtaza Bhutto; Copyright © www.bhutto.org
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