Karachi: Major Pakistani cities stirred back to life on Monday for the first time since opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, emerging from violent unrest that paralysed trade and commerce.
Karachi, a virtual ghost town at the weekend after rioters went on a rampage burning shops, banks and cars began to get back to work. Banks and shops rolled up shutters, cars and motorbikes returned to the streets and some petrol pumps opened for business after a three-day shut-down.
But there were none of the usual traffic jams in this bustling city of 14 million people, where schools were still closed and many workers remained at home four days after Bhutto was slain in a suicide attack.
"The situation is still very shaky right now. Everyone is afraid," said 25-year-old Mohsin Siddiqi, who works in the treasury department at Unilever in Karachi.
"One good thing is the (Bhutto) party has called for peace and will take part in elections. Hopefully that will help things calm down ... Life is gradually returning to normal."
Bhutto's killing unleashed a wave of violence, especially in southern Sindh province, Bhutto's home and political stronghold. Mobs angry at her death torched vehicles and railway stations, prompting police to adopt a shoot-on-sight policy. A total of 47 people were killed in the violence.
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