KARACHI: A countrywide strike call given by Central Chairman All Pakistan Compressed Natural Gas Association (APCNGA), Abdul Ghyas Paracha for the closure of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations  is being observed in all provinces excluding Balochistan, Dawnnews reported.

The strike had been announced for an indefinite period to demand the withdrawl of the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) and filling stations reportedly closed down at twelve midnight.

The strike call forced motorists to fill the gas cylinders of their vehicles, which created a great rush at gas stations and long ques were witnessed at filling stations all over the country.

Ghyas Paracha announced for protests in Lahore today and has planned a sit-in in the federal capital on 7th June.

The Balochistan CNG dealers declined to be part of the strike call and the dealers association announced that all CNG stations would remain open in the province.