Calm prevails in Karachi

KARACHI: Calm predominantly prevailed in Karachi Monday as all commercial centres were closed and traffic was off road in response to a call to mourn deaths in bomb explosion at Karani Road, Quetta the other day.

Activists alongwith a considerable number of citizens continued with their sit-ins, being staged since Saturday evening, in different areas of Karachi.

They were largely peaceful, however, determined that the sit-in would continue till culprits and killers of innocent citizens are brought to book on an urgent basis.

The silence in the otherwise bustling city was also consequent to announcements made by private school owners' association, Karachi transporters and traders associations, on Sunday evening, to keep close their respective operations for a day and express their solidarity with the Quetta blast victims.

A few rickshaws could be witnessed plying on the roads, besides scant private vehicles.

Office goers, students and teaching faculty of the public sector, educational institutions faced great difficulties in reaching their destination and many decided to take an off.

Major hospitals in the city had made special arrangements to ensure

presence of doctors, nursing and paramedical staff so as to ensure that patients are not deprived of needed medical support.

Concerned administration told APP that there was significant decline

in the number of patients visiting the OPDs and emergency sections of hospitals, with the exception of a few cases of gun shot victims.

"We have made all arrangements to handle any emergency situation," said Dr. Seemien Jamali of Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre.

Dr. Shakil Malick of Civil Hospital said a massive rush is witnessed on first working day of the week, however, there are almost no patients today.

"We may with the passage of time get some," he said.

City's administration has beefed up security arrangements at all major sites and thoroughfares so that unscrupulous elements may not exploit the situation.

Police and rangers could be witnessed patrolling the city.

A representative of the office of Commissioner Karachi said talks are underway with the participants of the sit-ins for a peaceful dispersal.

"We are responsible for security and safety of citizens and would ensure to do so," said the official.