KARACHI, Jan 8: Shops, markets and shopping centres remained closed on Tuesday in different localities in Federal ‘B’ Area to mourn the death of an activist of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

Badarul Islam, 30, was shot dead in front of his home near the Khurshid Memorial Hall on Monday. His death prompted the closure of markets and businesses in different localities in Federal ‘B’ Area.

On Tuesday, tension griped almost entire Federal ‘B’ Area, including Azizabad, Hussainabad, Dastagir, Water Pump, Naseerabad, Gulberg, Ancholi and other localities where businesses and commercial activities remained suspended.

Heavy contingents of law enforcement agencies were deployed in the area. They continued to patrol various roads, thoroughfares and streets to keep an eye on unscrupulous elements and to maintain the law and order.

The police have, however, failed to find any clue to the suspects, and are constantly carrying out a probe into the incident.

Badarul Islam was released on bail in January last year and was facing trial in a murder case. He was married on Dec 25. His elder brother had also been shot dead along with two others in the same vicinity some six years ago.

The Mutahidda Qaumi Movement contended that the killing of their worker was an attempt to restrain the MQM from its struggle for rights of Sindh.

Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club, deputy convener of MQM Aftab Ahmed Shaikh claimed that operation against MQM, launched by previous governments, was still continuing, adds PPI.

He felt that in view of escalating tension between Pakistan and India, country needs unity and stability.

He maintained that killing of MQM activists in Karachi will create a bad impression and foreign investors would be reluctant in making investment in Karachi.

He urged the President, the Interior Minister and Sindh Governor to order the arrest killers of Badarul Islam and award them exemplary punishment. He appealed to the MQM workers and supporters to remain patient.

Former Senator Mustafa Kamal, ex-MNA Kanwar Khalid Younus, ex-MPAs Khalid Bin Waleed and Abdul Qadir Lakhani were also present.