Pakistan: Karachi protest strike called off
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 March 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistan: Karachi protest strike called off, 6 March 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/513dd1e1c.html [accessed 23 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 06.03.2013 18:43
A powerful political party in Pakistan called an indefinite strike in Karachi, the country's largest city, then promptly rescinded the move.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) announced the strike in a bid to pressure the government to arrest those responsible for a bomb blast on March 3 in a Shi'ite neighborhood of Karachi that killed 48 people.
Less than five hours later, MQM leader Raza Haroon brought the action to an end, saying "people from all walks of life, especially traders" complained it would hurt their businesses and Pakistan's economy.
Haroon said peaceful protests will continue to push for a speedier investigation and the arrest of those responsible for the March 3 attack.
The local government in Karachi said that Sindh Province Police Chief Fayyaz Leghari has been sacked over the attack.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
