The strike call given by All Karachi Traders Association and supported by the powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement and other political parties, was given after extortionists shot dead a trader and injured his brother in the Shershah spare parts market after they refused to pay extortion.
Both the traders were brothers of a former MPA and central leader of the MQM, Shakir Ali.
Public transport remained off the roads due to the strike with the roads giving a deserted look while all major shopping centres, markets and even locality shops were closed.
Emotional scenes were also witnessed at the hospital where the body of the slain trader was taken and where his brother was admitted for treatment.
As senior MQM leaders gathered at the hospital, people raised slogans against the Lyari Peoples Aman Committee which the MQM claims is behind the extortion, kidnappings and other criminal activities in the city.
