KARACHI – The business centres in several parts of Pakistan remained closed on Thursday as traders observed a nationwide strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against petroleum products and the petroleum levy, while incidents of unrest were reported in Karachi and Lahore.
In Karachi, unidentified individuals allegedly blocked roads and set tyres and two motorcycles on fire near Korangi Crossing. Similar efforts to force businesses to close were reported in the Mosamiyat and Safora Chowrangi areas, where shops and petrol stations that had opened early were reportedly shut.
The Karachi Bar Association announced its support for the strike called by JI and traders. It said a peaceful anti-inflation rally would be held from the Sindh High Court to the Karachi Press Club.
The association warned that the strike and shortage of public transport could make it difficult for lawyers and litigants to reach the City Court. It requested the courts not to issue adverse orders in cases where lawyers or litigants were unable to appear because of the situation.
JI Karachi chief Munim Zafar, speaking at a press conference, said hundreds of markets and commercial centres across the city were closed in support of the strike.
He criticised the petroleum levy, describing the reported Rs130 per litre charge as an unfair burden on the public. He also highlighted prolonged electricity outages in commercial areas and rising unemployment, arguing that consumers were being subjected to increasing costs of electricity, gas and fuel.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi
In Islamabad, commercial activity was partially suspended following JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman’s call for a nationwide strike. Traders in areas including Super Market, Aabpara, G-8 and G-9 reportedly closed a large number of shops in support of the protest.
Commercial activity in Rawalpindi city and cantonment areas largely continued, although some shops were reportedly closed in different localities. The Traders Association of Pakistan had also announced support for the strike.
Lahore
In Lahore, several major commercial areas, including Queens Road, Abid Market, Hall Road, Mall Road, Nisbat Road Market, Ferozepur Road and Brandreth Road, remained closed as traders responded to the strike call.
The tensions escalated on Mall Road after JI workers and traders opposing the strike confronted each other. Heated arguments reportedly developed into a physical altercation, while both sides chanted slogans against each other. The confrontation also disrupted traffic in the area.
JI workers also organised a motorcycle rally from the protest site at Charing Cross. The rally passed through the railway station, Brandreth Road, McLeod Road and Hall Road before returning to Charing Cross.
According to a JI spokesperson, police attempted to stop the motorcycle rally near Hall Road and detained some party workers. The spokesperson said legal assistance would be provided to those detained.
JI Central Punjab chief Muhammad Javed Kasuri condemned what he described as police violence against party workers in Lahore and other areas.
He also criticised alleged attempts by police to force shopkeepers to reopen their businesses.
