Four Days Long Shias Sit-in Ends In Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 15, IRNA – The Qaumi Yakjehti Council on Monday announced that it was concluding its sit-in in the south western city of Quetta, local media reported. Thousands of Hazara Shias had been staging a sit-in in freezing cold on Alamdar Road for the last four days along with the bodies of dozens of people killed in bombings in Quetta on Thursday. Yakjeehti Council leader Qayyum Chengezi made the announcement following the imposition of Governor’s rule in Balochsitan. Former minister Jan Ali Changezi had announced to end sit-in at 10 AM on Monday as President Asif Ali Zardari signed the summary regarding imposition of Governor's rule in Balochistan. “Our demands have been met”, said the Yakjehti council head. Furthermore, the Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) also ended its hunger strike which it had been holding in front of the office of Inspector General (IG) Balochistan Police in Quetta. Earlier, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf announced to impose Governor Rule in Balochistan under article 234 with immediate effect. “After holding consultations with all the stakeholders, we have decided to invoke Article 234 of the Constitution. Governor’s rule is being imposed in the province and the provincial government is being dismissed,” PM Ashraf announced in front of the Hazara representatives. His announcement was welcomed by thousands of Hazara Shias who had been staging a sit-in in freezing cold on Alamdar Road for the last three days. The Governor’s rule has been imposed for the next two months. Under this rule, the provincial government will remain suspended while FC will maintain law and order situation in the province./end