KARACHI: The routine life in the city was paralysed soon after the assassination of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MPA Manzar Imam on Thursday, while at least seven vehicles were torched in different city areas.
Incidents of firing were also reported in localities, including Orangi, Korangi, Nazimabad, North Karachi, Landhi, Saddar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Malir, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Shah Faisal Colony, Clifton, Gizri. The panic ruled the city.Routine and commercial activities were suspended across the city.The shopkeepers pulled down their shutters amid panic. Citizens remained indoors as the situation turned uncertain.Over a dozen pushcarts and two shops were torched in Orangi area.
The incident sent a wave of fear and panic across the metropolis. Massive traffic jams on almost all main arteries were witnessed soon after the incident. Later public transport vanished. The commuters faced immense difficulties to reach their destinations. Ambulances also stuck up in the traffic jams. The commuters preferred walking instead of travelling on
public transport
Petrol pumps and CNG stations were closed, causing great hardships to people. Late night workers faced immense problems as public transport was nowhere seen. During the tense situation, the police and Law Enforcing Agencies (LEAs) personnel were seen nowhere.Tension also prevailed in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Badin and other areas where armed men riding bikes opened fire and forcibly shut down shops. They also burnt tyres against the killing of Manzar Imam.
The Private School Association has announced to close schools in the city today, while all papers scheduled for today in Karachi University and other institutions have been cancelled. The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) has also postponed papers scheduled on Friday.President Sindh Tajir Ittehad Jamil Ahmed Paracha has announced to shut down all trade centres in entire Sindh over the prevailing situation.In addition, Karachi Transport Ittehad has also announced to keep public transport off the roads in the city today. – DailyTimes
