Commercial activity in Karachi is set to slow significantly on Thursday, September 3, with major markets across the city scheduled to remain closed in support of Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) nationwide strike against the petroleum levy.
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Trader leader Atiq Mir confirmed that traders in different parts of the city would observe the shutdown on Thursday (Tomorrow).
Minhaj Gul Faraz, general secretary of the Karachi Traders Alliance, said the strike would also be observed by traders operating in the mobile phone and electronics markets.
The shutdown comes after JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman called for a countrywide peaceful strike to protest the petroleum levy and seek relief for the public.
The party has urged the government to address its concerns and has indicated that the protest campaign could be widened to include commercial centres and major highways if its demands are not met.
Also Read: Petrol Pumps to Shut Down Across Pakistan from THIS Date
JI has also discussed the possibility of organising a long march towards Islamabad as part of its future course of action.
Traders have expressed concern over higher taxes, escalating operating expenses and broader economic challenges, saying the growing financial burden is putting additional pressure on businesses.
With major commercial areas expected to remain closed, the strike could affect routine trade and business activity across Karachi, Pakistan’s largest commercial centre.
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Consumers have been advised to complete essential shopping and other commercial transactions before Thursday or make alternative arrangements during the anticipated closure.
It is pertinent to mention here that Karachi Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Amir – Monem Zafar has announced a complete strike across Karachi on September 3 to protest rising inflation, what he termed excessive taxation, and the government’s failure to address growing economic hardships.
Monem Zafar made the announcement while addressing a press conference, saying the strike would highlight the financial pressures facing working-class families and the general public.
The JI emir said ordinary citizens were being crushed under the burden of inflation, while additional financial pressure was being imposed through taxes and the petroleum levy.
