QUETTA, Oct 6: A complete strike was observed in the provincial capital and district headquarters on the call of the All Parties Democratic Movement against President Pervez Musharraf’s re-election.

All business and shopping centres remained closed but traffic was largely unaffected. Government offices and schools also functioned normally.

Reports suggested that the strike was successful in other cities and towns in Balochistan and at some points, political activists blocked the Quetta-Karachi and the Sibi-Jacobabad highways by burning tyres.

An APDM statement thanked the business community, especially the Anjuman-i-Tajiran, for observing the strike.

It claimed that strike was also observed in Pishin, Chaman, Loralai, Zhob, Ziarat, Harnai, Nushki, Kalat, Khuzdar, Hub, Panjgur, Turbat, Sibi, Dera Murad Jamali and Dera Allahyar. Rallies were also taken out in various towns.

Meanwhile, lawyers boycotted courts to protest against the presidential election. They wore black armbands and raised black flags.

A procession was taken out that culminated at the Adalat Chowk. Protestors were shouting slogans against President Musharraf and in favour of the judiciary’s independence, democracy, fundamental rights and rule of law.