Sir: In the wake of unexpected strikes, only common people suffer. Businesses remain suspended, bringing the wheels of the economy to a halt. It is also the case with public transport that remains off road, bringing more difficulties for people who have to go to their workplaces. Examinations are postponed and patients, especially those on weekly dialysis, remain stranded and get sicker due to unavailability of conveyance. The problem is that when political parties protect and nurture criminal elements in their ranks, killing, mayhem and strikes cannot be ruled out. Since the law enforcement agencies are forced to work on the dictates of these parties and government, law and order deteriorates further. It is about time that as per the order of the Supreme Court, these political parties cleansed themselves of all criminal elements and brought the originators of inhuman crimes in Karachi to justice. Unless stern actions followed by severe punishment are meted out to criminals, no improvement could come about in the awful situation of Karachi. USRA SOHAIL Karachi