Karachi (HRNW)- Business and commercial centers remained largely closed in Karachi following Jamaat-e-Islami’s nationwide strike against petroleum products and the petroleum levy. In some areas, unidentified individuals blocked roads, burned tyres and set two motorcycles on fire, while police detained several Jamaat-e-Islami workers.
Markets in areas including Korangi Crossing, Masamiyat, Safoora Chowrangi, Saddar, Lighthouse, Bolton Market, Chemical Market, Timber Market, Steel Market, Gulbahar, Pak Colony and Qayyumabad were closed. Major markets on MA Jinnah Road and other commercial areas also observed shutter-down strikes, while partial closures were reported in Jodia Bazaar, Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, Nazimabad and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
A clash was also reported between Jamaat-e-Islami workers and shopkeepers at Gaddafi Chowk in Orangi Town. Around 10 to 15 percent of Karachi’s petrol pumps that had initially remained closed later reopened, while traffic remained lighter than usual.
The Karachi Bar Association announced support for the strike and said a peaceful rally would be held from the Sindh High Court to the Karachi Press Club. It also expressed concern that the strike and limited public transport could make it difficult for lawyers and litigants to reach the City Court.
Addressing a press conference, Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Munem Zafar urged traders and the business community to make the strike successful. He criticized the petroleum levy, calling the reported Rs130-per-litre burden unjust, and highlighted prolonged electricity outages, rising unemployment and increasing business costs.
In Islamabad, several commercial centers, including supermarkets and markets in Aabpara, G-8 and G-9, were partially closed in support of the strike. In Rawalpindi, business activity largely continued, although some traders announced support and shop closures were reported in certain areas.
In Lahore, markets including Queens Road, Abid Market, Hall Road, Mall Road, Nisbet Road, Ferozepur Road and Burnath Road were closed. Tensions rose on Mall Road as Jamaat-e-Islami workers and traders exchanged slogans and became involved in a scuffle, affecting traffic in the area.
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