ISLAMABAD: The nationwide strike called by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Friday failed to gain traction, as traders, religious organizations, and civil society groups across the country rejected the call, terming it harmful for the economy, public peace, and national stability.
Traders and Religious Figures Condemn Strike
Prominent business and religious leaders strongly condemned road blockages, vandalism, and clashes associated with the protest, calling such acts un-Islamic and unethical.
Trader leader Atif Akram Sheikh criticized TLP’s approach, stating that baseless objections to government policies and violent demonstrations only hurt the public. He said that business closures inflict heavy financial losses on traders and disrupt daily economic activity.
Similarly, the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) announced that the business community nationwide would not participate in the strike. He confirmed that all markets and business activities would continue as usual.
Markets Remain Open Nationwide
Trader leader Umar Butt also reaffirmed that markets across Pakistan would remain open on Friday, stressing that peaceful dialogue — not disruption — is the right way to express political or religious demands.
Religious Scholars Reject TLP’s Protest
Several prominent religious figures, including Hafiz Amir Hamza, Maulana Abdul Manan, Muhammad Ramzan Pirzada, and Maulana Haq Nawaz, also denounced the strike, calling it inappropriate in both timing and method.
Hafiz Amir Hamza argued that since peace has been restored in Gaza and Palestinians are celebrating, there is no justification for TLP’s strike.
Maulana Abdul Manan warned that using force or intimidation to pressure the government contradicts Islamic ethics and teachings.
Meanwhile, Maulana Haq Nawaz alleged that foreign elements, particularly India, are attempting to exploit such unrest to create instability in Pakistan, urging citizens to avoid becoming part of any conspiracy.
Civil Society Calls for Peace and Stability
Social activist Zia-ul-Haq Qasim Khan Baloch condemned the blocking of roads and protests in the name of religion, labeling them illegal and unethical. He said such actions cause severe inconvenience for patients, travelers, and ordinary citizens.
All leaders jointly appealed to TLP to end the strike and road protests, emphasizing that the movement is against the national interest and damaging public peace and economic stability.
