Day 3: Shutter-down strike in Mansehra over DPO’s transfer

Mainstream political parties protest against government orders.

MANSEHRA: A shutter-down strike was observed in the city on Thursday as protests against the transfer orders of DPO Mansehra continued for the third consecutive day.

Demonstrators said they will continue their protest until the orders are cancelled and traders set up a protest camp at Khatm-e-Nabuwat Chowk.

Traders and workers of different political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam Sami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl and Jamaat-e-Islami are part of the ongoing protests.



Addressing the crowd, Anjuman-e-Tajran (traders association) leader Haji Haroon told journalists that an action committee comprising 22 representatives of different political parties, civil society organisations, lawyers, and traders has been formed. The committee has decided to continue their protest unless the government reverses the transfer orders of “an honest and experienced police officer.”

Referring to the decision of the action committee, he said another shutter-down strike has been scheduled for Friday when Chief Minister Pervez Khatak will be visiting Mansehra district.

Traders accused Qaumi Watan Party’s chief Aftab Ahmed Sherpao for conspiring to create law and order problems in Mansehra. Haroon said the government had issued the notice on Sherpao’s request.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2013.