KARACHI: Telegraph messengers and linemen went on strike after midnight in support of their demands, including better emoluments. The strike is being observed in Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Sukkur, Multan and other places.

As a result of the strike, telegrams were subject to delay. People have been asked to call at the telegraph of fices for their telegrams. Police is guardingthe telegraph ofhces.

The strikers squatted before the telegraph offices with placards throughout yesterday. In Karachi alone, over 300 telegraph employees are on strike.

Negotiations were started in Karachi yesterday between the Telegraph Department officials and representatives of the strikers through the Labour Department to bring about a settlement.

The Director-General of Telegraphs and Telephone last night termed the strike `illegal` A Press note said: `Few telegraph messengers and linemen ... have stopped working without proper notice in spite of the Department having wholly redressed most of their legitimate grievances. The Department has, however, taken all steps to control the affected sections of service and the situation is under control.