Citywide strike held against cleric’s assassination

A city-wide strike was peacefully observed in the metropolis on Friday, on the call of the Karachi Ulema Committee (KUC). The strike was held as a protest against the assassination of prominent cleric Maulana Adil Khan and the authorities’ failure to arrest his killers.

While trade centres in Saddar, Karimabad, Hussainabad, Landhi, Korangi, old city areas and other parts of Karachi remained closed, utility stores remained open. An increase in the presence of law enforcement personnel was also witnessed in different localities of the city, though no incidents of violence were reported.

Meanwhile, public transport was almost entirely absent from the streets, leaving many commuters unable to travel through the city.

Furthermore, several educational institutions were also shut on the day, while those that remained open saw few students turn up for classes.

Activity across the city was gradually restored after Friday prayers, with All Karachi Tajir Ittehad chairperson Ateeq Mir telling The Express Tribune that traders had been permitted to resume business later in the day on their request.

The protest was announced after the KUC’s 48-hour ultimatum to the police for the arrest of those responsible for Khan’s assassination lapsed.

Khan, the administrator of Jamia Farooqia seminary, was gunned down along with his driver in Shah Faisal Colony on October 10.