Major markets across Sindh remained closed on Thursday as Jamaat-e-Islami called for a shutter-down strike against the petroleum levy, disrupting commercial activity in Karachi and other cities.
The strike received support from several trader organisations in Karachi. Major commercial areas, shopping centres and markets remained closed as traders responded to the protest call.
The protest is aimed at opposing the petroleum levy, which Jamaat-e-Islami says has increased the financial burden on ordinary citizens and businesses.
Major Karachi Markets Remain Closed
In Karachi, markets and commercial centres from Clifton to Saddar were affected by the strike. Bolton Market and surrounding business areas also remained largely closed.
Karachi Traders’ Union President Atiq Mir said traders would observe a complete and peaceful strike.
Electronics Dealers President Rizwan Irfan and COMIDA President Minhaj Gulfam also announced their support for the protest.
The All City Traders’ Union, All Iron Steel Merchants Association and Sindh Traders’ Union also backed the strike.
However, not all trader groups joined the protest.
The Medicine Market and Wholesale Grocers Association announced that they would not participate. Some other trader organisations said their markets would remain closed only until 3pm.
Several petrol pumps and shops that normally open early also remained closed, further affecting business activity across the city.
Reports of Vandalism and Police Deployment
The strike also led to reports of isolated incidents in parts of Karachi.
Reports said some shops were forcibly closed in the Hussainabad area of Azizabad.
Unknown individuals were also reported to have burned tyres near Korangi Crossing and set two motorcycles on fire.
Police were deployed in several areas following reports of aerial firing near Safoora Chowrangi and surrounding locations.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon condemned reports of vandalism and attempts to create unrest.
He said Jamaat-e-Islami had the right to hold a peaceful protest. However, he warned that no one would be permitted to disrupt Karachi’s peace or challenge the writ of the state.
Strike Spreads Across Sindh
The protest also affected commercial activity in other parts of Sindh.
In Kashmore, business centres remained closed as Jamaat-e-Islami workers moved through the city and appealed to traders to support the strike.
In Mirpurkhas, major commercial areas including Khasakpura, Station Road and Shahi Bazaar were also closed.
Jamaat-e-Islami workers held a motorcycle rally in Mirpurkhas and urged traders to observe the strike peacefully.
The party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the petroleum levy, arguing that the additional charges are placing greater financial pressure on the public.
Jamaat-e-Islami has also warned that the protest movement could be expanded if the government does not accept its demands.
