QUETTA, Nov 5: A strike was observed in the city and northern districts of the province on Monday on a call given by the Pakhtunkhwa National Democratic Alliance (PNDA) in protest against the imposition of emergency and arrests of lawyers and opposition leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Asfandyar Wali Khan.

The strike was supported by the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party and the PML (N).

All shopping centres remained closed, but government offices and educational institutions were not affected. There was usual traffic on the roads.

A statement issued by the PNDA said that the strike was also observed in Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Khanozai, Muslimbagh, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, Duki, Sanjavi, Musakhel, Zhob, Harnai and Ziarat.

Criticising the arrest of 10 workers of the alliance in Harnai and Musakhel, the statement said the government’s latest crackdown on political opponents would not stop the struggle against the dictatorship.

The PNDA said that cooperation extended by shopkeepers had encouraged political forces to continue the struggle against the emergency rule.

The statement called for restoration of civil rights and release of all political leaders and workers.