KARACHI, Jan 24: Some parts of the city on Monday responded positively to the strike call given by the Sindh-based nationalists to express solidarity with Balochistan people on the issue of Sui gang-rape incident and fear of a military operation.

The residents of Lyari, Bin Qasim, Keamari, Gadap and Malir towns, who have ethnic and cultural relations with the people of Balochistan, kept their business establishments closed.

However, the strike appeared more effective in parts of Lyari Town, mainly Khadda, Nawabad, Moosa Lane, Baghdadi, Kalri, Shah Beg lane, Hingorabad, Rangiwara and Singoo Lane where attendance in educational institutions was thin and public transport remained off the road. Many government and private employees could not reach their offices due to the situation.

Partial strike was also observed in Safoora Goth, Sachal Town, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulshan-i-Hadeed and SITE Town. Many shops and markets in Old Golimar remained closed.

The strike call was given by the Sindh National Front, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party, Sindh National Council, Jeay Sindh Mahaz, Sindh Thinkers Forum and some other parties.

Leaders of these parties, condemning the incident of rape in Sui, Dera Bugti, urged the government to solve political problems politically instead of using military force.

They were of the view that the use of armed forces in political matters had always proved counter-productive and also damaged the image of the country. They urged the government to immediately initiate a dialogue with Baloch leaders to find out a solution to the problems that had led to the present situation.