KARACHI - Religious groups on Sunday continued sit-in at various key points of the city to express solidarity with the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters at Faizabad in Islamabad.
The protesters on the day not only condemned the state institutions operation against the Faizabad protesters but also demanded the entire federal cabinet to step down over showing none seriousness on belief in the finality of Prophethood (PBUH).
According to details, the port city presented a deserted look while all markets and shops in different parts of the city remained closed due to the panic and fear emerged earlier on Saturday following the sit-ins of religious groups at various key arteries of Karachi.
During the day no violent incident was reported while the protesters continued their sit-ins at various locations including Numaish Chowrangi, Power House Chowrangi, Surjani Town, Malir, Sohrab Goth, University Road, Liaquatabad, Mausamiat, Teen Hatti, Nagan Chowrangi, Hub River Road, Korangi, Landhi, Shadman Town and New Karachi.
Containers were placed on the road leading to Governor House as well as the road from Teen Hatti to Jehangir Road. Police and rangers were seen patrolling in the city to ensure law and order.
A large numbers of people reached in shape of groups at central sit-in site Numaish Chowrangi to express solidarity with protesters. Jamiat Uleema Pakistan Mufti Abdul Aleem Siddiqui, Jamaat Ahle-Sunnat Allama Shah Abdul Haq Qadri, Jamiat Qadria Pakistan Allama Dr Fareeduddin Qadri, Sunni Tehreek Shahid Ghori, JUP Sindh Chapter Chief Mufti Muhammad Ibrahim Qadri, Bilal Saleem Qadri, Allama Razi Hussain Naqshbandi and other speaking on the occasion paid tribute to TLP Central leader Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi on his stance over Khatm-i-Nabuwwat (SAWW).
They said that TLP and other religious groups were on the road to condemn the amendment in Khatm-i-Nabuwwat (SAWW) oath during passage of Elections Act, 2017. While on the other hand the ruling government were giving shelter to Qadianis, they added. The religious parties leaders further vowed not to tolerate any interference over Khatm-i-Nabuwwat (SAWW) matter and warned the government settle the issue by holding dialogues with central leadership of TLP.
Meanwhile, police officials briefing about the city situation said that condition gone worse on Saturday had gradually returned to normalcy. Many key arteries including National Highway, Northern Bypass, Lyari Expressway and Shara-e-Faisal were open for the vehicular traffic.
Police had availed the remand of 19 protesters-arrested from Star Gate on Saturday during clash with police personnel said police official adding that no more arrest has been made in this regard.
Police officials further informed that the route leading from Tower to II Chundrigar Road was cleared after successful negotiations with the protestors. The traffic has been resumed between Saddar to II Chundrigar road while Shara-e-Faisal remained normal after it had been opened for traffic.
On the other hand that the protesters on Super Highway continued their sit-in near Al-Asif Square which has badly affected inter-city traffic flow. The commuters were using Lyari Expressway and Northern Bypass as their alternative routes for entering the city. It is pertinent to mention here that, on Saturday, about 35 protesters were wounded in different incident across the Karachi, in the aftermath of Faziabad crackdown.
Meanwhile, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) and Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMUI) spokespersons announced that the universities would remain closed on Monday following the situation of the city.
The spokespersons said that the universities’ administrations took the decision keeping in view the law and order situation in the metropolis. The classes, examinations and interviews schedules have also been postponed, whose new dates will be announced later.
Furthermore, All Pakistan Private Schools Federation also announced that due to the prevailing situation the private schools will remain close on November 27 and 28 (Monday-Tuesday) whereas schools will reopen on Wednesday, November 29 as per regular schedule.
All Pakistan Public Owner Federation terming government‘s policy a continuity of unwise decisions has announced to suspend its services on Monday.
Similarly, Good Transport Association Pakistan observing prevailing situation of entire country has announced to halt service till any further decision of association. However Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan has said that after the assurance of the law enforcement agencies the dealer association has decided to open markets on Monday.