Traders announce province-wide strike on April 26
The main market in Badin is shut in response to the anti-canals strike called by JSQM. In Badin, markets close on Friday and stay open on Sunday. Photo: NNI
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Traders have announced a complete shutter-down strike on April 26 across the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The announcement was made by Senior Vice President of the Jamiat Business Forum, Mushtaq Ahmed Khalil, who stated that the strike will encompass the entire province, including the capital city, Peshawar. He confirmed that all major trader organisations have declared support for the move.
A special meeting has been scheduled for April 24 in Peshawar to finalise preparations. According to Khalil, arrangements for a peaceful strike are already underway.
He also highlighted that social media platforms are being actively used to promote the boycott of Israeli products alongside the planned protest.
Coordination with various trade bodies is in progress, and market leaders have reportedly assured full cooperation in closing businesses for the day.
Talks are also ongoing with transport sector representatives to expand participation.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a nationwide strike on April 26 to protest against Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza and to express solidarity with Palestinians. The call was made by JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman during a large pro-Palestine rally held on Sunday along the Islamabad Expressway.
Addressing thousands of participants, Rehman condemned what he described as genocide in Gaza, where more than 51,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since Israel launched its military response to Hamas's October 7 attack.
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