QUETTA: A shutter down strike and mourning day was being observed in the Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta on Wednesday against the killing of 25 Shia pilgrims in Mastung last night.
A bus carrying Shia pilgrims was coming from Iran to Quetta via Taftan but as reached in Dringhar area of troubled Mastung district on Tuesday evening, a powerful explosion occurred near the bus that left at least 25 persons killed and more than 50 injured. The banned militant outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility of the blast.
On Wednesday, a large number of heirs of those killed in the blast placed dead bodies of their beloved ones on road at Alamdar Chowk in Quetta and staged sit-in, calling for the arrest of culprits.
The protesting victim families chanted slogans against the government and threatened to surround the Chief Minister House and Governors’ House if authorities failed to bring the miscreant to book.
Meanwhile, on the call of Hazara Democratic Party, Shia Ulema Conference and other groups a complete strike was being observed and the city was giving a deserted look. All major markets were closed in Quetta and roads were deserted due to scant vehicular traffic.
The Controller of Examinations of the Balochistan University said that the university postponed its examinations scheduled to be held today, adding the exams would now held on January 26.
