KARACHI: A province-wide strike was being observed on Wednesday across Sindh on a call given by nationalist parties in protest to the violent incident during a rally in Karachi the previous day, DawnNews reported.

Business centres remained closed and traffic remained sparse on roads as sporadic incidents of violence continued. Most examinations scheduled for the day had been announced as postponed.

In one incident, unknown gunmen opened fire on a bus in Karachi’s Quaidabad area, leaving one person dead and injuring four others.

Arsonists burned tyres and set a public transport bus on fire in the city’s Lea market area.

Some parts of Karachi bore a deserted look whereas others were relatively normal.

Tension and fear gripped certain areas and incidents of firing were reported in Gulshan-e-Hadeed , Safoora Goth, Sachal Goth and Malir.

Two bodies were found near the UBL Sports Complex in Federal B area. The unidentified men were shot dead and their bodies bore torture marks.

A heavy contingent of Rangers conducted targeted operations in Lines Area, Ranchore Lines, Ramswami and Garden areas of the city.

Twelve suspects were taken into custody during the operation and Rangers claimed recovering heavy weapons including two anti-aircraft guns, 22 Ak-47s, 11 repeater shotguns and 10 TT handguns.

A large number of ammunition was also recovered.

The suspects had been shifted to an unknown location for interrogation.

Earlier President Asif Ali Zardari taking notice of the situation in the city had ordered the Interior Ministry to submit a report within 48 hours.