Business activities in Karachi remained thin on Wednesday as most of the city markets stayed closed due to a strike call given by Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) against the killing of its senior leader the other day. Main wholesales and grain, electronics, medicines, machinery, wood, clothes, books and furniture markets remained closed in the old city areas during the whole day. However, markets in some parts of the city remained open.
Traders told Business Recorder that markets in old city areas remained closed during the day. The strike also hit the supply of essential commodities, medicines and other products to the city, they added. "Jodia Bazaar, Lee Market, Bolton Market, Mithadhar and Kharadhar, furniture markets, garment markets, plastic market and medicine markets of Arambagh and Bolton markets were shut," they said.
The strike also affected public transport in the city as only a few number of buses and coaches were seen plying on roads. However, in the evening hours, transporters resumed their routine operation. JI called the strike "peaceful" and said "the complete strike indicates masses are sick of terrorist elements in the metropolis". Addressing a press conference at Idarae Noor-e-Haq, JI's Karachi Chief Muhammad Hussain Mahenti thanked the political parties, traders, transports and religious parties for supporting the strike and making its successful.
He vowed that the JI would begin drive against terrorism and extortion in the city soon. He said that his party would consult with all political and social stakeholders of the city in this connection. He slammed the government for its undemocratic tactics to fail the strike which the JI had announced to condemn terrorist mafia in the city. He also denounced the arrest of some 100 activists of the party from their houses during a night clampdown.
While responding to a question, he said that the JI would support the Friday's strike. He said that JI would also stage a rally against an anti-Islam film on next Sunday. He demanded of the government to arrest the killers of Dr Pervez Mehmood and Abdul Wahid immediately.
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