May 12 declared holiday in Sindh

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http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/provinces/sindh+cm+announces+public+holiday+on+may+12-rs

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has declared May 12 a public holiday in the province.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, he expressed the hope that the day would be observed as a ‘day of mourning’ for those who lost their lives on May 12, 2007.

After the announcement, the ANP-backed Pakhtun Action Committee and the MQM-backed Haq Parast Loya Jirga withdrew their strike calls for May 12.

The chief minister asked the education boards and universities in the province to postpone examinations scheduled for May 12.

He called upon the Pakhtoon Action Committee, affiliated with the Awami National Party, and the Haq Parast Loya Jirga, backed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which had called for a strike on May 12, to review their decision.

In response to the chief minister’s appeal, the Pakhtoon Action Committee announced that it would observe a ‘black day’, while the MQM coordination committee decided to ask people to hoist national flags on their homes on May 12 in support of the army operation in Swat and Malakand.

Mr Shah pointed out that people should abide by Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which was imposed some time ago for a month. He made it clear that all people were equal in the eyes of law and no one would be allowed to create a law and order situation.

He said: ‘All parties should hold Quran Khwani and Fateha Khwani at their party offices because it (May 12 carnage) was a great tragedy and it should be observed every year with the same spirit.’

He said that a possibility of violence on May 12 could not be ruled out because elements affiliated with the Taliban might strike in reaction to the military operation in Swat.

The chief minister appealed to those political leaders coming to Karachi on different dates for holding meetings and rallies in connection with the May 12 incidents not to speak or indulge in any activity which could heighten tension.
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