LARKANA: A partial strike was observed on Sunday in Larkana and some areas of Balochistan over alleged desecration of the Holy Quran, DawnNews reported.

Police officer Anwar Laghari said Sunday that the incident took place overnight near Jinnah Bagh chowk in Larkana city, after some people said they saw burned pages of the Quran in a garbage bin near the home of man who belonged to the Hindu community. The officer said initial investigation revealed that the man had rented the house from a Muslim family and cleaned it before he moved in. He may have burned the holy book inadvertently, the policeman said.

The situation in the area turned tense following the incident and a crowd of 200 persons gathered and attacked the minority community's temple.

Leghari said the building was partly gutted and the alleged desecrater was taken into protective custody.

Vehicular traffic remained sparse in the affected areas as a complete shutterdown was observed and businesses, shops, filling stations and markets were closed for business.

Moreover, a ban on pillion riding was imposed in the city under Section 144.

Additional contingents of police and Rangers were deployed in the affected areas to avoid any untoward incident.

A clash between protesters, mostly belonging to religious organisations, and police took place in Dera Allahyar area of Sindh. Police resorted to aerial firing after coming under stone pelting from the protesters.

Two of the protesters and one policeman was injured in the incident.

Moreover, ten shops were also burnt down on Jinnah road in Jaffarabad's Osta Mohammad tehsil.

Another incident was reported in Sohbatpur area where police resorted to gunfiring to disperse the protesters.

Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad taking notice of the incident ordered for measures to ensure the protection the life and property of the people.

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto tweeted against the violence:

— Ali Nawaz contributed to the reporting of this story