New provinces: Sindh nationalists strike against MQM bill

Businesses closed, traffic slow as nationalist parties protest against MQM's bill calling for new provinces.

KARACHI: Sindh nationalists staged a strike across Sindh on Saturday in protest against Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) bill in the National Assembly for the creation of new provinces, Express News has reported.

Businesses were shut and traffic was low in many areas including Larkana, Nowshero Feroz, Dharki, Ghotki, Kashmore, Dadu, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Badin, Nawabshah and Thatta.

In Hyderabad, Awami Tehreek and Sindhyani Tehreek took out a rally from Hyder Chowk to SP Chowk, during which the protesters clashed with the police, and a sit-in was also staged at Ponam Petrol Pump.

Rangers were also deployed along with the police to ensure security in the city during protests.

All shops were closed in Sukkur as well, and police and Rangers were deployed for security. While in Karachi, the situation seemed normal as businesses remained open.

Sindh nationalists expressed displeasure over MQM’s bill recently tabled in the National Assembly calling for the creation of Southern Punjab and Hazara provinces.

Jeay Sindh Tehreek chairman Dr Safdar Sarki had said: “The recent bill tabled by the MQM discloses its intention. If they (MQM) think themselves as genuine Sindhis, they should act and fight for the province where they live.”