KARACHI: Karachi’s business community has announced a complete shutter-down strike for September 3, aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami’s nationwide peaceful protest against the petroleum levy. Major commercial hubs across the metropolis—including electronics and mobile phone markets—will remain closed as traders push back against escalating taxes, high operating costs, and mounting economic pressure.
Atiq Mir and Karachi Traders Alliance General Secretary Minhaj Gul Faraz confirmed the city-wide participation. The strike follows a call from Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, who has demanded immediate relief for the public and warned of escalating protests, potential highway blockades, and a prospective long march toward Islamabad if the government fails to meet their demands.
As Pakistan’s primary commercial hub, the shutdown is expected to significantly disrupt business activities throughout the city, prompting advisories for citizens to reschedule shopping and commercial errands.
