KARACHI, March 30: The Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement (Ponam) has appealed to people to observe a countrywide strike on Thursday to support its demand for provincial autonomy.

Two major opposition alliances, the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy have already supported the strike call. The Awami National Party has also appealed to people to make the strike a success.

A major group of Karachi transporters, the Karachi Transport Ittehad, has allowed its members to decide on their own whether to observe the strike or not.

KTI Chief Irshad Bokhari on Wednesday said: “We have nothing to do with the strike call of political party. We will hold a meeting with our allied bodies to decide whether to support the MMA’s April 2 strike or go for our own strike plan.”

He dispelled the impression that the KTI had supported the Ponam’s March 31 strike.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government has finalized all necessary measures to meet any eventuality on Thursday. Describing the strike call as ‘anti-nation activity’, the government has appealed to businessman community and transporters not to give in to any pressure. Urging traders to foil the shutter down plan, it has assured them of full protection.

The government has also warned ‘miscreants’ that the law-enforcement agencies had been ordered to deal with them without any discrimination.

Leaders of the Karachi chapter of Ponam, Ali Hasan Chandio, Abdul Hakim Mandokhel, Riaz Chandio, Inayat Khatian and Afzal Khan, have said that the March 31 strike was being observed in protest against army operation in Balochistan, the government’s plans to build Kalabagh dam and Greater Thal Canal, mega projects in Gwadar and price-hike.

PPP: Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarian MPA Humera Alwani on Wednesday deplored law and order situation in Thatta and called for token hunger strike on April 1 and shutter down strike on April 6 in Thatta.