PESHAWAR, April 8: The business community observed a complete strike on Tuesday to express anguish over the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Processions were taken out from different localities under the auspices of some 25 traders’ organizations. Bazaars, shops and markets remained closed and banners were displayed in various parts of the city.

The processionists marched on roads, raised slogans against the United States and in favour of the Iraqi people, and condemned the government policy on the issue.

They converged at the Qissakhwani Bazaar where leaders made speeches.

Halim Jan of Tajir Ittehad said the war was illegal as it had been launched without the approval of the United Nations. He said the government should offer help to the Iraqi government against the aggressors.

ARD Secretary-General Iqbal Zafar Jhagra criticized the government for accepting all the US demands and said the government would be responsible if Pakistan became the next target of the United States.

Mr Jhagra said it was high time the government withdrew the support it had extended to the United States.

Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal MNA Shabbir Ahmad Khan said the US wanted to grab the petroleum resources of Iraq on any pretext. The MMA, he said, would continue to condemn the US and its allies and extend moral support to the Iraqis.

Another MMA leader Hakim Abdul Wahid, Sadiq Amin, Waris Khan, Ghulam Fareed and others also spoke.

QURAN KHWANI: The All Pakistan Government Employees, NWFP, held Quran Khwani for the well-being of Iraqi people.

KOHAT: A partial strike was observed by the business community to express solidarity with the people of Iraq.

The strike call was given by the Mushtarika Bazaar Union. All the main shopping centres remained closed.

The police patrolled roads to ensure peace during the strike.

A group, led by Haji Gulzar, president of the Mushtarika Markets Association, forced vendors to participate in the strike.