Southern Pakistan mourns slain activist

All major markets and business centers of Karachi and some other cities of southern Pakistani province Sindh were shut down on Friday as Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) announced a day of mourning. MQM leaders announced a day of mourning across Pakistan following a murder of one of its activists, M. Asif, who was found dead near the Sukhan River in Karachi city on Thursday. All schools, petrol stations and business centers were closed in Karachi city. Trade, transport and fuel stations associations unanimously announced that their businesses would remain close in support of MQM and ensure safety for themselves. MQM coordination committee deputy convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in a press conference at MQM headquarters disclosed details of other kidnapped, missing and murdered party activists. Siddiqui urged the judiciary, rights organizations and international community to take notice of the matter. MQM has called day of mourning across Pakistan but it was observed strongly in some cities of southern Pakistan including Karachi and Hyderabad. All examinations in colleges and universities of Hyderabad and Karachi cities were postponed due to the MQM call.