Karachi traders have declared their support for Jamaat-e-Islami’s nationwide strike against the petroleum levy; major markets throughout the city will be closed on September 3.
The decision is likely to impact businesses across the city of Karachi, the commercial capital of Pakistan, with several big markets confirming that they will be taking part in the protest.
Trader leader Atiq Mir said markets would be closed on Thursday, in solidarity with the strike, in all parts of the city.
The decision was made on the eve of the countrywide shutdown that Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) called for yesterday to protest against the petroleum levy and ask for more relief for the people.
Mobile phone and electronics markets too would be on strike, said Minhaj Gul Faraz, general secretary of the Karachi Traders Alliance.
These are significant commercial areas and their participation is expected to further decrease business activity during the shutdown period throughout the city.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has asked the government to ease the burden on citizens and address their concerns regarding soaring prices.
He has also said that the protesters’ demands may be extended to markets and big roads if the government does not accept them.
If the government does not respond to the demands, then a long march might be possible towards Islamabad in the future, said Naeemur Rehman.
Traditional stakeholders report that higher taxes, higher business costs and effects on the broader economy make it increasingly difficult to run a business.
They say the extra expense is taking its toll on businesses and on consumers.
Karachi’s major markets will close on September 3, which will likely severely impact business activity in the region, as Karachi is the largest trading and commercial centre of Pakistan.
The residents have been warned to make their shopping and other business plans accordingly and, if possible, go to markets on other days.
The strike is set to be a major litmus test of the strength of backing behind Jamaat-e-Islami’s effort to repeal the petroleum levy and its demand for economic relief in general.