The strike call of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) against the disqualification of Sharif brothers and imposition of governors rule received very cold response in the city, as all markets of the city remained open with usual business activities.
Although vehicular traffic although remained thin in some parts of the city after the Fridays prayers, buses, mini buses, coaches, rickshaws and taxis were seen plying on all major and minor roads throughout the day.
Talking to Business Recorder, Chairman of Alliance of Market Association (AMA) Atiq Mir said that despite strike call by PML-N that went unheard in Karachi, business activities could not take up at normal pace for prevailing political and economic uncertainty in the country.
He criticised both political parties - PPP and PML-N, for a conflict on resolvable political issues, which engulfed the whole country and demoralised the nation. He said that customers have not turned up to markets since the present governments act of imposing governors rule in Punjab making the small businessmen undergo the trade slump.
"It is a unique trend in Pakistan unlike the world communities, the government, instead of resolving the political differences with opposition, has started staging demonstrations and rallies to counter opponents, which has put adverse affects on the trade and business," he said.
About the decrease in trade activities in Karachis markets, Atiq Mir said that the first major blow it received from imposition of governors rule in Punjab immediately followed by attacks on touring Sri Lankan cricket team and then CM Sindhs rally and finally PML-Ns strike call did the rest.
Consumers are trying to turn up for purchase of the most essential products while the traders are reluctant to invest money because of the uncertain political and economic situations, which have prolonged for around one year, he added.
"Media reports on strike and wriggling political situation in the country have virtually kept the consumers away from markets," he said, adding that traders have started retrenchments to cut expenses after hike in electricity and gas tariffs. Anis Majeed, President of Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association said that grain market remained open and business activities there continued as usual. "Business activities in Karachi are normal," he added.
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