05 June 2004	Saturday	16 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, June 4: The Pakistan People's Party has claimed that police have arrested dozens of its activists from Lyari Town and resorted to shelling tear gas to disperse people protesting against the recent bomb blasts.

According to a press release issued from Media Cell Bilawal House on Friday, police also besieged offices of PPP in several parts of the city and blocked the roads leading to these offices.

It alleged that police occupied the office of PPP at SITE Chowrangi, where a protest was planned to be held by the party. Moreover, it stated, "Unknown persons fired at PPP activists in Ward-94 of Malir, however, luckily no person died or injured in this incident."

The party workers and leaders took out rallies in different parts of the province to deplore the loss of precious lives in terrorists acts, added the press release.

It stated that participants of the rallies staged a sit-in on the National Highway before Friday prayers, which obstructed the traffic flow. The situation became intense when participants of a rally were baton charged by police.

In Larkana, Shikarpur, Jacobabad and Thatta, the party workers staged protest demonstrations and marched on various roads to condemn the terrorist activities. Shops, commercial centres and other businesses also remained closed in Ghotki, Dadu, Sajawal, Mitthi, Sehwan, Tando Allahyar, Jhampeer, Jangshahi, Kudyaro, Shadadpur, Shahpurchakar, Khipro, Kotdeji, Gambut, Nasirabad, Mirpur Khas, Badin and Mitthi. -PPI