All businesses as well as transport was halted in the protest backed by the business community of the city. Shops, hotels, petrol pumps and educational institutes also remained closed.
In Karachi, three vehicles were torched by unidentified people in different areas, while aerial firing was observed in Shah Faisal Colony, Orangi Town and other areas.
Rangers and police personnel were deployed to avoid any untoward incident.
Other areas observing the strike include Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Nawabshah, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Dhabeji, Gharo and several others. Some tires were reportedly torched in Mirpur Khas.
Altaf Hussain appeals for peaceful protest
MQM leader Altaf Hussain appealed to the sector and unit in-charges as well as party workers to maintain peace during the strike.
Hussain warned that if any worker is found involved in any disorder during the day, his basic membership will be cancelled.
COMMENTS (29)
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In response to MQM's black day against bhatta, Veena Malik has decided to observe black day against obscenity and vulgarity.
MQM protesting against MQM.
Hoshiar look it who is saying its like chore machay shore chor aya chor aya.
Really? You call that "peaceful protest" by shutting down most of the businesses and traffic.
Please watch Mujeeb ur Rehman shami views on Karachi, Before saying anything http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlBwrkpieso
Soon MQM will protest against singing old Asha Bhosle songs in public rallies. The real party of promise, honesty and "freedom"
the mafia always does such things to let the citizens of Khi know that they are in their cage fore ever, mqm does not have any standard to get the exposure except torchering and harrasing the poor people. The Govt. and intelligence agencies know every thing about it, hope they will conduct an operation against it and prove it terrorist mafia.
this was just show of power to black mail the govt.
What Non sense MQM is part of the govt. who are they trying to fool
In my area, shops were forcefully closed. Saw it with my own eyes for the first time ever. No verbatim, no secondhand sighting, but saw it right in front of me.
Two motorcycles, four men, warned the shop keepers they had 30 seconds to pull down the shutter or face dire consequences.
So, it was anything but voluntary.
What a sham of a protest/strike.
Shame on you.
@Salman Orangiwala: SHOs of Interior Sindh are Sindhis and Pakistanis not Indians, and they are working in their own province and country as per Law. If you have problem, Change the law, they wont be working in Karachi. Where are you imported from by the way?...Read history books.
Secondly, Sindh belongs to Sindhis and every Sindhi can work any where in their province, and we dont need lectures from those who came as refugees from India 5 decades ago. Karachi is not your occupied colony, rather we offer you city to live with us side by side, not as masters of our destiny. If you have problems with Sindh and Sindhis, you can leave it voluntarily.
MQM demand is to end extortionism and violence in Karachi and it should be respected. PPP govt should conduct full fledged clean up operation against criminal groups. Only brave and talented person Dr. Zulfiquar Mirza can do this operation. Bring him back. For the peace and stability, all criminal elements should be wiped out. And this can be done by giving free hand to Dr.Mirza!
Looks like the new Vice Chancelor of KU is really an ignorant soul openig the university on a day like this when we know clearly it could mean trouble? We know you dont travel through these buses sir. Why do you think students and drivers could be put through these dangers?looks really stupid of you frankly.
Black day is over.. Sunday 18 Marhc Youme Taseen... All the decorations and music and stuff are adjusted with weekly BHATTA... happy black day,,,, :)
All three ruling parties are in the bhatta business. MQM is angry that its unrivalled position in this business is now shared by others. Businessmen are worried that first it was only one bhatta group and now they have to face many. Why dont MQM leave the government once more to justify that they are not part of the government's failure in this respect at least.
MQM observing black day for extortions or for Indian defeat by Bangladesh.......lolx
@Salman Orangiwala: 90% of the SHOs of Karachi have been directly imported from the Interior of Sindh and appointed to RULE Karachi...what do you mean imported from interior of Sindh?It is part of Pakistan and mind you its not historical import from India.
MQM against Extortion and killing is like thief saying i m against thieft............hahahaha........
While there is a strike in karachi the MQM legislators are in the national assembly to hear the president address i have seen the news while Farooq sattar didnt løok bother about Karachitees problem. They have lost their mandate.
MQM needs some issue to remain in politics, they have done nothing in this tenure and voters will ask them too, so to convince voters they are make promises to end this extortion.
@ MA Siddiqui MQM is the coalition partner .Says who ? Mirza claimed he appointed five thousand police personnel from Interior Sindh , 90% of the SHOs of Karachi have been directly imported from the Interior of Sindh and appointed to RULE Karachi (READ : loot Karachi ).
I bet you are not even from Karachi ! If so , visit your local police station and find out a few officer who you know and is from your locality .You will be astonished .!!!!!
@PTI2013: they need karachi :)
MQM & observing protest again BHATTA & EXTORTION... ahahahahahahhahaha anty ways it says Karachi mein agar rehna hai to JEEYAY ALTAF kehna haai.
World knows MQM! No need to say anything.
@PTI2013:
I think its more about the dent on their monopoly on bhatta collection than caring about Karachi.
'Hussain warned that if any worker is found involved in any disorder during the day, his basic membership will be cancelled.'
in that case, MQM will have to replace the whole leadership.
Good work MQM. Only party in assembly which cares about Karachi
By observing the Black Day, will the extortionists not extort any more money from the people of Karachi?
MQM is a coalition partner of PPP government and instead of observing a Black Day, it should take concrete steps in eradicating the Bhatta Maifa.
Why the MQM is not naming the Police Officials who are among the biggest group of Bhatta Mafia In Karachi and Sindh?
Every Bhatta Khour should be dealt with iron hand. The people of Karachi and Traders should be allowed to shoot at sight any one who comes with a Parchi and take Bhatta from the people.