Shops and markets remained largely closed in Karachi and several other major cities on Thursday, while public transport was disrupted as a nationwide shutter-down strike called by Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) against the petroleum levy took effect.
JI called the strike amid rising fuel prices, demanding that the government withdraw the levy and provide relief to consumers. Party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that its continuing protest campaign could eventually lead to a long march on Islamabad if the government fails to address its demands.
In Karachi, Saddar Electronics Market and businesses around Mosamyaat, Safoora Chowrangi and adjoining areas remained closed. Petrol stations and some shops that had opened earlier in the day were also forced to shut.
Tensions were reported near Korangi Crossing, where unidentified people blocked roads, burned tyres and engaged in vandalism. Two motorcycles were also set on fire.
The Karachi Bar Association announced its support for the strike, joining traders and other groups backing the protest.
In Lahore, commercial activity was disrupted across several major business districts. Markets and businesses on Queens Road, Hall Road, Mall Road, Nisbat Road, Ferozepur Road and Brandreth Road, as well as Abid Market, remained closed.
Commercial centres in Islamabad were partially shut as sections of the capital’s trading community supported the protest. The strike was also observed in Peshawar, where protesters linked their grievances to inflation, unemployment and the law and order situation.
JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan said the widespread closure of markets demonstrated support for the party’s demands. He called on the government to reduce its own expenditure rather than continuing to increase the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
“The government must end its lavish spending if relief is to be provided to the people,” he said, arguing that many households were struggling to meet basic living expenses.
Meanwhile, representatives of the government and Jamaat-i-Islami were expected to hold talks at Mansoorah on Thursday in an attempt to address the dispute.
JI deputy chief Liaquat Baloch will head the party’s negotiating team, while the government delegation is expected to include Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Bilal Kiani.
The negotiations come as JI increases pressure on the government over fuel taxation, with the party warning that further nationwide protests could follow if the talks fail to produce relief for consumers.