KARACHI: Major markets across Karachi will remain closed today as traders observe a shutter-down strike to express solidarity with the people of Gaza amid ongoing Israeli aggression.
Trade leaders across the city have united in support of the Palestinian cause, announcing the closure of prominent commercial hubs, including Sarafa Bazaar, Jodia Bazaar, the Medicine Market, and various other wholesale markets in the old city areas.
The strike, widely supported by Karachi’s business community, is a protest against what traders describe as the brutal atrocities and violence being inflicted on innocent civilians in Gaza. Leaders from various trader associations have called for the complete closure of businesses for the day to register their protest and show moral support to Palestinians.
The President of the Karachi Electronic Dealers Association appealed to all shop owners and traders to keep their businesses shut as a symbolic gesture. The Karachi Tajir Ittehad, a key traders’ body, echoed the same sentiment, reaffirming that the business community of Karachi stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Gaza during this humanitarian crisis.
Trader leader Shakir Fancy confirmed that commercial areas including Mithadar, the Old City Area, and the Sarafa Bazaar would remain closed throughout the day. He emphasized that the strike is aimed at condemning the violence in Gaza and raising awareness about the suffering of Palestinians.
Abdul Rauf Ibrahim also announced that Jodia Bazaar — Pakistan’s largest wholesale market — will not operate today as part of the protest. He stated that such collective action is necessary to highlight the urgent need for global attention and intervention.
The Aram Bagh Traders Association has also declared full support for the strike, expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives in Gaza and calling for international pressure on Israel to halt its aggressive military campaign.
Additionally, Aslam Polani, General Secretary of Jodia Bazaar, confirmed that all medical and pharmaceutical markets in the area will also remain shut for the day.
The citywide market closure underscores the growing sentiment among the Pakistani public and business community in support of the Palestinian people and their demand for justice and peace.
