In the federal capital, shops and markets in Super Market, Aabpara, G-8 and G-9 are closed. Traders and citizens have joined the strike in response to the Jamaat-e-Islami’s call.
Traders say rising fuel prices and the petroleum levy are affecting both business activity and ordinary consumers. They are demanding that the government reduce or abolish the petroleum levy to provide relief from rising inflation.
In Lahore, several major markets are also observing a shutter-down strike. Business activity remains suspended in Abid Market, Hall Road, Nisbat Road Market and Ichhra Bazaar, while markets along Queens Road, Ferozepur Road and Mall Road have also remained closed.
The Jamaat-e-Islami says the strike is aimed at protesting the growing economic burden on the public and demanding a reduction in petroleum prices and the abolition or reduction of the petroleum levy.
The party says higher fuel prices directly affect transport costs, food prices and other essential commodities, and has urged the government to provide immediate relief to consumers.
A protest rally was also held in Lahore during the strike, where tensions developed between police and Jamaat-e-Islami workers. The party alleged that police attempted to stop the rally and detain some of its workers.
According to the Jamaat-e-Islami, workers protested for the release of their detained colleagues and managed to secure their release. The party condemned the police action, saying peaceful protest is a constitutional right.
A shutter-down strike is also continuing in Charsadda against the petroleum levy, expensive electricity and rising inflation. Jamaat-e-Islami says all major and small markets in the city are closed and business activity has been suspended.
Local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders said traders in Charsadda had fully supported the strike, with various business organisations backing the protest.
The Jamaat-e-Islami says its protests and strike will continue until the government takes serious steps towards reducing or abolishing the petroleum levy, lowering fuel prices, reducing electricity costs and providing economic relief to the public.
The impact of the strike varies across other cities, where business activity remains disrupted in several areas, while local administrations continue to monitor the situation.
