Karachi at a standstill over strike call

E-Paper | March 16, 2026

Shia Muslims block Malir Railway crossing as they are protesting against bomb blast at Qandhari Imambargah Alamdar Road in Quetta, during a demonstration at National Highway in Karachi on Sunday, January 13, 2013. Protest against
bomb blast that caused death of 86 Shiite Muslims enters on third day across the Pakistan. — Photo by PPI

KARACHI: Businesses and markets remained shut as Karachi was paralysed on Monday over a strike call given in solidarity with the Shias and the Hazara community after Thursday's bombings in Quetta, DawnNews reported.

Petrol and CNG filling stations were shut and public transport remained off the roads.

Police and demonstrators blocked several roads, including some of the major arteries of the city.

Protesters also blocked railway tracks in Karachi's Malir area, disrupting the flow of railway traffic to and from the city.

Pakistan

Security forces kill 5 terrorists in Lakki Marwat operation: ISPR

1 dead as Lahore-bound Shalimar Express derails after colliding with goods train in Naushahro Feroze

PM Shehbaz directs formulation of strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries

Muhammad Ahmed Mufti

Jan 14, 2013 03:57pm

I have just returned from Karachi. With daily strike calls most of the businesses have switched their payrolls from salaried employees to daily wages. No attention is being paid to the plight of common karachites who are suffering from these senseless strike calls. Shame on all politicians.

Recommend 0

Father-d-souza

Jan 14, 2013 10:43am

Pakistan it seems is heading for a total chaos. May god give some, 'brains' to them so that pakistani start behaving live humans

Recommend 0

Kaleem

Jan 14, 2013 02:39pm

and what do you think is the way to put pressure on government for a common person. Try reaching out to Rehman Malik, let alone Zardari and let me know

Recommend 0

nasir

Jan 14, 2013 09:48am

perhaps a better way to show support would have been to put pressure on the government and collected funds for the families of the deceased victims.

Recommend 0

TKfromUSA

Jan 14, 2013 02:32pm

Better way would have been to work on the day of strike; and donate the wages for the day to the families of victims.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Chery Master Pakistan expands nationwide 3S dealership network: 10 operational, 20 planned by 2027

The nationwide dealership network includes 8 dealerships across six major cities, with two additional dealerships launching in the coming month, expanding the network to 10 dealerships nationwide.

Cardiogen and the molecular language of cardiac renewal: A speculative exploration

This article explores Cardiogen’s molecular characteristics, theorised mechanisms of action and its possible relevance across multiple research domains.

Master MoltyFoam’s Women’s Day initiative supports the next generation of female athletes

This year, Master MoltyFoam used the occasion to highlight the importance of support in sports by launching an initiative focused on encouraging young female athletes in Pakistan.