Shutter-down strike halts business activities
A shutter-down strike observed in solidarity with Palestinians in Rawalpindi brings business activities in various markets across Rawalpindi to a standstill. Photos: Express
In a powerful display of solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza, a complete shutter-down strike was observed across business centres in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The shutter-down strike was jointly called by Jamaat-e-Islami and the trader community.
Protesting against Israeli aggression in Gaza, all small and large markets, including major commercial areas such as Saddar, Raja Bazaar, Commercial Market, and Murree Road, remained completely closed. Other affected areas included Liaquat Road, Iqbal Road, Jamia Masjid Road, Circular Road, Bagh Sardaran, Pirwadhai, Peshawar Road, and Tench Bhatta, where business activities came to a halt.
Due to the shutdown, traffic on the roads was minimal.
According to Anjuman Tajiran Punjab President Malik Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, the entire trader community, as well as every citizen of the country, condemns Israel's actions and stands with their oppressed Palestinian brothers, sisters, mothers, elders, and innocent children.
He added that a nationwide shutdown would be observed throughout the day.
Trader representatives also visited various commercial areas during the shutdown and expressed satisfaction over the complete closure. Only medical stores and small neighbourhood grocery shops did not participate in the strike.
Jewelry, electronics, autos, and wholesale markets in both cities remained closed, paralysing daily life.
Trader leaders thanked shopkeepers for fully participating in the strike and stated that traders were ready to make any sacrifice for their Palestinian brothers and sisters.
They also announced the boycott of all Israeli-made products starting Sunday, pledging not to sell them in their stores.
Traders, citizens, and labour organisations also organised major rallies in support of Palestine.
The call for the complete shutter-down strike had been given by all major trader groups from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
As a result, all small and large commercial hubs, including Raja Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Moti Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Murree Road, Commercial Market, and all markets in Saddar, along with Asia's largest commercial centre, Tench Bhatta Bazaar, remained completely closed.
Wholesale markets, jewellery, and electronics markets across the city
Trader leaders, including Sharjeel Mir, Shahid Ghafoor Pracha, Ghulam Qadir Mir, Naveed Kanwal, Tariq Butt, Hammad Qureshi, Kashif Chaudhry, Qaiser Kayani, and Faheem, visited various markets and expressed satisfaction over the strike's success.
Union leaders of different markets remained present throughout the day to ensure peace.
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