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Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
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.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Traders announce strike in solidarity with Palestinians
Business associations across Rawalpindi and Islamabad have officially announced a complete shutdown strike on Saturday in protest against Israeli aggression and to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. The strike has been jointly declared by all major trader bodies in the twin cities, including the Central Traders Association of Rawalpindi. Religious and political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Sunni Tehreek, Tehreek-e-Labbaik, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and Awam Pakistan Party have also voiced full support for the strike and announced plans to hold rallies. Goods transport unions have likewise backed the strike call. Alongside the shutdown protest, rallies will be held in major marketplaces and on central roads. Protesters plan to burn Israeli flags and effigies of the Israeli Prime Minister. Trader leaders from various markets — including Sharjeel Mir, Shahid Ghafoor Pracha, Ghulam Qadir Mir, Qaiser Kayani, Faheem Siddiqui, Hammad Qureshi, Sheikh Hafeez, Naveed Kanwal, and Tariq Butt — stated that the business community in Rawalpindi will observe the strike in unison with the rest of the country. They appealed to the public and fellow traders to suspend business for one day to raise their voices against the atrocities in Gaza. "Palestine is not just a piece of land - it is part of the Muslim Ummah," the leaders said. "When one part of the body is in pain, the whole body feels it. All Islamic countries must feel this pain and play a positive role in support of Palestinian Muslims." The trader representatives condemned Israel for its relentless oppression of the Palestinian people and criticised international organisations and the United Nations for their silence. "These institutions advocate compassion for animals and birds, yet remain silent on crimes against humanity," they said. They urged the Government of Pakistan to take a firm stand in support of Palestine and to engage with other Islamic nations to form a united front.
