Shops, hotels and schools remain open in Karachi

KARACHI: Life in the city returned to its normal routine after dozens of political workers belonging to MQM stormed the office of a private news channel on Monday evening.

Last night Chief Minister Sindh directed DG Rangers and IG Sindh to provide adequate security to the citizens. He added that no one would be allowed to raise his voice against Pakistan and worsen the law and order situation of the city.

Rangers conducted late night operations in several parts of the city against MQM. Nine Zero and other sector offices were sealed and at least nine senior leaders of the party including MNA Farooq Sattar and 50 other members were detained. During the operation, computerized data and records were also taken by Rangers.

The move comes shortly after MQM announced holding protests in front of news channels against what they called lack of coverage of its hunger strike outside Karachi Press Club. Angry MQM protesters surrounded the channel’s office at Madina Mall and tried to barge into the building. The situation in metropolis was normal with all educational institutions, offices, hotels open and public transport on roads. 

Police and Rangers were seen across the city in order to prevent any unpleasant incident. The situation in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Nawabshah along with other cities of interior Sindh was also normal. All educational institutions, petrol pumps and offices remained open and public transport was also seen on roads.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Rangers Sindh has urged the citizens to help identify the miscreants at the protest camp of a political party who later caused unrest in the city on Monday, according to a press statement.

A spokesman for Pakistan Rangers urged the masses to inform the paramilitary force about the miscreants, who voiced slogans against Pakistan and vandalized public property, on Rangers helpline 1101.

"Citizens can also provide information on Whatsapp number 0316-2369996 and email at rangers.madadgar@gmail.com," read the statement.

The names of those providing any information will be kept secret, assured the paramilitary spokesman.