Shops forced closed by unidentified men reopen in Karachi

Shops in several Karachi areas were forcibly closed by unidentified men but later reopened after intervention from police and Rangers.

According to reports, shops at the Burns Road food street were closed after men came out on streets. However, the shops were reopened after police arrived in the streets and assured shop owners of security.

Similar situation was reported at markets in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

In Korangi 2 1/2, unidentified men blocked roads and burnt tyres near Chiniot Hospital.

District Korangi SSP Shahjahan Khan told SAMAA Digital that men on motorbikes forced people to close shops and businesses. However, police has assured shop owners of security and markets in the area have reopened.

District East SSP Qamar Raza Jiskani also said that some unidentified men tried to close businesses in Gulshan-e-Iqbal but police foiled their bid.

It is not clear if the incidents were related to an Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) call to observe a black day on Thursday.

Several MQMP workers were injured after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who were staging a sit in outside Chief Minister House.

MQM-P was protesting against Sindh Local Government Act passed by the Sindh Assembly in December. They took out a rally and staged a sit-in in front of the CM House.

More than 15 people were injured, including policemen, in the clashes and several were arrested.

According to district South SSP, all arrested MQM-P workers have been released upon the directions of Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah.

Twevle injured were moved to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and three to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College (JPMC).

JPMC Emergency Incharge Dr Saima told SAMAA Digital that three injured MQM-P workers were brought to the hospital including MPA Sadaqat Abbasi who was earlier detaijed by the police. Videos showed police dragging Abbasi and forcing him into a police van.

Dr Saima added that all injured were in stable condition.

One policeman was also brought to the hospital according Dr Syed.

MQMP announced that it would observe a black day at a press conference.

MQM-P coordination committee has also called an emergency meeting at party’s Bahadurabad office. Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui will preside over the meeting to chart out a future course of action.

from SAMAA https://ift.tt/3o22qzT