A shutter-down strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against the petroleum levy disrupted business activity across Sindh on Thursday.

In Karachi, several major markets and commercial centres remained closed. Trader organisations backed the protest, with markets and shopping areas from Clifton to Saddar reporting closures.

Bolton Market and surrounding commercial areas also remained shut. Karachi Traders’ Union President Atiq Mir said the strike would remain complete and peaceful.

Meanwhile, Electronics Dealers President Rizwan Irfan and COMIDA President Minhaj Gulfam announced support for the strike. All City Traders’ Union, All Iron Steel Merchants Association and Sindh Traders’ Union also backed the protest.

Karachi Markets Remain Closed

Business activity slowed significantly across several parts of Karachi. Some petrol pumps and shops that normally open early also remained closed.

However, not every trader group supported the shutdown. The Medicine Market and Wholesale Grocers Association distanced themselves from the protest.

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Additionally, some trader organisations announced that their markets would remain closed until 3pm. The differing positions resulted in varying levels of disruption across the city.

Reports also emerged of shops being forcibly closed in the Hussainabad area of Azizabad. Furthermore, unknown individuals reportedly burned tyres near Korangi Crossing and set two motorcycles on fire.

Police were deployed in several areas following reports of aerial firing near Safoora Chowrangi and surrounding locations.

Sindh Government Condemns Unrest

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon condemned reports of vandalism and attempts to create unrest in Karachi.

Memon said Jamaat-e-Islami had the right to stage a peaceful protest. However, he warned that no one would be allowed to disturb the city’s peace or challenge the writ of the state.

Authorities increased security in areas where reports of violence or disruption emerged. The government has also urged protesters and traders to maintain peace during the strike.

Strike Spreads to Other Sindh Cities

The protest affected commercial activity beyond Karachi as well. In Kashmore, business centres remained closed as Jamaat-e-Islami workers moved through the city and appealed to traders to support the strike.

Similarly, major commercial areas in Mirpurkhas remained shut. These included Khasakpura, Station Road and Shahi Bazaar.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami workers organised a motorcycle rally in Mirpurkhas. They also called on traders to observe the strike peacefully.

Jamaat-e-Islami Demands Petroleum Levy Withdrawal

Jamaat-e-Islami says the petroleum levy has increased the financial burden on ordinary citizens. Therefore, the party has demanded its immediate withdrawal.

The party has also warned that it could expand its protest campaign if the government does not accept its demands.

For now, the strike has significantly affected commercial activity across parts of Sindh. Further developments will depend on the government’s response and the party’s next course of action.