ISLAMABAD, March 3: A complete strike called by religious parties against the publication of blasphemous caricatures in European newspapers brought life to a standstill in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and adjoining areas on Friday.

Though the widespread protest remained largely peaceful, anti-US sentiments crept into the protest in Rawalpindi as the strike coincided with the visit of US President George Bush to Pakistan.

Police broke up two groups of students who were protesting the visit of President Bush at Rehmanabad Chowk and Al-Ikram Building and arrested about a dozen protesters.

The Imamia Students Organization and the Islami Jamiat Talaba claimed to have organized the anti-US protests.

Security sources hinted to Dawn that political elements behind the anti-Bush protests would be nabbed in a crackdown later in the night.

All business centres and educational institutions remained closed in the twin cities of Islamabad-Rawalpindi on Friday. Government and some private offices opened but few employees could report to duty as public transport stayed off the roads.

Courts also opened but lawyers did not appear as they too observed the strike called by the National Consultative Council, an umbrella organization of religious and political parties, a month ago.

Police and other security forces were deployed at sensitive places and kept a watch on the situation.

They were on high alert in Islamabad as the strike coincided with the visit of President George Bush.

Roads in the federal capital presented a deserted look. The few private cars which ventured out had to face strict checks at barricades erected on roads leading to the Constitution Avenue and the two five-star hotels designated for President Bush’s entourage and security detail and the mediapersons covering his visit.

Ground security was reinforced by helicopter surveillance of the areas of the US president’s activities.

Bus and wagon services on inter-city routes also remained suspended as no passenger vehicle could ply from Islamabad and Rawalpindi to any part of the country.

However, after sunset few buses and wagons were sent to different destinations.

Few cabs were seen plying on the roads but their drivers took full advantage of the wheeljam strike and charged exorbitant fares.

Heavy contingent of police were deployed at different points in the capital including Faizabad, Zero Point, Aabpara, Constitution Avenue and Diplomatic Enclave.

People faced great deal of trouble due to lack of public transport and complete shutterdown.

The main market, including Aabpara Market, Karachi Company Market, Super Market, Jinnah Super Market, Covered Market, Peshawar More Bazaar and Melody, remained completely closed.

The strike was so effective that even retail shops in residential localities remained closed. “I could not find any Tandoor open near my home,” Muhammad Bakhtawar said.

Some students of Islamic International University (IIU) stage a rally at Kashmir Highway against publication of sacrilegious cartoons and the visit of the US president to Pakistan.