Commercial activities remain suspended in key markets near Karachi’s Gul Plaza, triggering protests by shopkeepers who say the prolonged shutdown is causing severe financial losses and disrupting business operations.
Traders from surrounding markets gathered to protest against the continued closure of shops around Gul Plaza, arguing that the restrictions have pushed them into economic distress and uncertainty.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
Markets including Gul Tejara and Rampa Plaza, located adjacent to Gul Plaza, are still closed by the authorities, while several commercial areas in the vicinity have also been sealed, affecting hundreds of businesses and daily economic activity.
Shopkeepers said that major roads around Gul Plaza have also been closed to traffic, further limiting customer access and worsening the impact on trade and commercial movement in the area.
Gul Plaza Fire: Initial investigation report reveal alarming details
Protesters claimed that businesses have remained shut for the past 12 days, resulting in heavy financial losses and the inability to fulfill existing orders, which has damaged their credibility with clients and suppliers.
They stated that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared several buildings in the area structurally safe, yet authorities are still not allowing commercial activities to resume.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
Shopkeepers said they have lodged formal complaints with the Deputy Commissioner South office and urged the government to formulate an immediate plan to reopen the markets under proper safety measures.
The traders added that they continue to bear fixed expenses such as shop rent and staff salaries, while the prolonged shutdown has intensified their financial burden and threatened their livelihoods.
