KARACHI, Apr 3 Swathes of Pakistan's commercial capital of Karachi were paralysed today following a strike call by city's ethnic opposition, the Mohallr Qaumi Movement (MQM). witnesses said, reports AFP

The strike was the fifth called this year by the MQM to protest at the killing of Its militants by security officials. Six MQM activists nave been killed since Saturday. The MQM represents Urdu-speaking migrants from India after the subcontinent was partitioned in 1947.

There was no violence ahead of the strike call and city police chief Shoalb Suddle said an additional 1.250 men had been added to the 6.000 member force already •deployed.to counter any unrest

About 1.000 paramilitary rangtfrs are also assisting police In maintaining a heavy security presence on the streets, especially in the disturbed central and western districts, which were hardest hit by the strike call.