Traders have announced their support for Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) shutter-down strike against the petroleum levy. All major markets in Karachi will remain closed tomorrow (September 3).
Trader leader Atiq Mir confirmed that markets across the city will remain closed on Thursday.
Karachi Traders Alliance General Secretary Minhaj Gul Faraz said mobile phone and electronics markets would also join the strike.
The announcement came after Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman called for a nationwide peaceful strike on September 3 against the petroleum levy.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has demanded relief for the public from the government. He warned that protests could expand to markets and major roads if the demands are not accepted.
He also said the party could consider a long march towards Islamabad in the future.
Traders said rising taxes, higher business costs and overall economic pressure were affecting commercial activities.
Karachi is Pakistan’s largest commercial hub. The closure of markets across the city is therefore expected to significantly disrupt business activities.
Citizens have been advised to plan their shopping and other business-related activities for another day.
