KARACHI, June 6: The city witnessed an impressive peace rally on Sunday, demonstrating citizens' commitment to Quaid's principle of unity and their pledge to maintain the image of Karachi as a city of love, peace and fraternity.

The rally, organized by the provincial government, was led by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Ali Mohammed Mahar and City Nazim Naimatullah Khan.

Starting from the Society Office Chowk on Sharah-i-Quaideen, the rally was attended by Ulema from different schools of thought, traders, doctors, businessmen, industrialists, teachers, lawyers, women and children. Passing through the rear road of the Quaid's mausoleum, the rally reached the Babul Iman Gate of the mausoleum.

Addressing the rally, the governor renewed his commitment to follow the three principles of Quaid-i- Azam: "Unity, Faith and Discipline". He pledged to revive the true spirit and charms of the city by forging unity in the ranks of people of Karachi.

He said that the terrorists had succeeded temporarily in disturbing the peace of the city. "We, the people of Karachi, will fail their conspiracy with our unity," he said.

The governor said that people from different walks of life and shades of opinion by joining the rally had demonstrated that they were united and all of them wanted peace. He said that these terrorists neither belong to Pakistan nor to Islam.

"We will fight together against those who killed Mufti Shamzai and bombed Imambargah Ali Raza and Hyderi Mosque," he said. Dr Ibad said the provincial government had restored peace in the city, which was disturbed by the recent terrorist acts.

He pledged to restore charm of the city and urged business community to maintain unity in their ranks, promote their businesses and work for the development of the city. He said, "We pledge in today's gathering that we would make continuous efforts to restore life in the city of lights."

On his appeal, the participants observed one-minute silence for the victims of recent terrorists act. Addressing the rally, Chief Minister Ali Mohammed Mahar said that there was no sectarian conflict among Muslims, but, some hidden hands were sabotaging peace in Karachi. These evil conspiracies could be thwarted through unity among people, he added.

Pledging that the government will deal such terrorists with iron hands, he urged people to maintain solidarity among their ranks and cooperate with the government to pave the way for development and prosperity of the nation.

The participants of the rally were holding flags of Pakistan and white banners as the symbol of peace and unity. Provincial ministers, advisers, MPAs and MNAs participated in the rally.

After termination of the rally, the governor alongwith cabinet ministers and the nazim went inside the mausoleum, laid the wreath and offered Fateha. Recording his feelings in the visitors book, the governor wrote that today's rally once again had demonstrated the nation's commitment to remain united even in the face of all odds and work for peace and prosperity of Pakistan.

Earlier, police closed roads leading to the mausoleum and diverted the traffic to Khudadad Chowk. Tight security arrangements were made to avert any untoward happening.