SIALKOT, Oct 4: The business community observed partial strike in protest against the killing of 31 people on Friday's mosque blast. Almost all the shopping centres, markets, commercial banks, and financial institutions remained closed till noon.

However, there was a complete shutdown in city's main localities like Allama Iqbal Chowk, Railway Road, Kutchery Road, Paris Road and Kashmir Road. The small traders did open their shops in inner parts of the city.

Several government and private educational institutions resumed their educational activities. Markazi Anjuman Tajran secretary-general Haji Ehsanul Haq Butt said that Sialkot traders had suffered heavy financial losses during four days long mourning and strike.

He said the strike was also badly affecting the trade markets of Daska, Sambrial, Wazirabad, Gujrat, Pasrur, Gujranwala, Narowal and other towns and cities. Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Qaisar Saleem Shabbir told newsmen that the tragic incident had also severely upset the exports.

He urged the government to adopt some solid steps to maintain law and order as peace was vital for the economic development. Meanwhile, the situation remained calm and peaceful throughout the city on Monday.

Talking to newsmen, District Nazim Mian Naeem Javaid that some armed men had tried to forcibly get closed some shops but the police foiled their bid by taking a prompt action.

However, heavy contingents of police, elite force and para-military troops continued patrolling the city to maintain peace and order. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters on Monday took out peaceful rallies in different parts of Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial and Pasrur. Carrying placards, the protesters shouted slogans against the government and terrorism.

CONDEMNED: Central office bearers of All Pakistan Shia Action Committee led by Maulana Alam Shah Musavi (Sukkur) visited Jamia Zainabia Mosque adjacent to Markazi Imambargah Mistary Abdullah here on Monday.