A strike called by religious groups against a suicide bombing brought life to a standstill in Karachi on Wednesday on the call of the Jamaat Ahl-e-Sunnat. All major markets were closed and public transport off the road. The KSE was also closed. Large numbers of security forces blocked streets and all schools were closed in the city. Karachi University suspended exams scheduled for April 12-14. Filling stations were closed and protected by barriers, while foreign franchises had been asked to remain closed to avoid any attack. Traders in Lahore will be on strike today (Thursday) to protest attack in Karachi. Anjum-e-Tajiran Lahore and the government-backed Qaumi Tajir Ittehad leaders announced the strike. Azam Cloth Market and Pakistan Cloth Market remained closed on Wednesday.