Traders strike: Business as usual in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: A nationwide shutter-down strike call by traders against expanded powers given to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has received a mixed response across Pakistan, with Islamabad staying open while partial and full closures were seen in several cities.

The business community appears divided over the strike. In the federal capital, all major markets and stores remained open, and normal commercial activity continued throughout the day.

In contrast, many markets in Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and other cities were either completely or partially closed.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javed Bilwani said the chamber stood by its strike call due to the lack of a written commitment from the government. “We have not received anything in writing, so we are continuing with the strike,” he said. Bilwani warned that if the government fails to respond by the next meeting, the protest movement will expand.

Key Karachi markets such as Jodia Bazaar, electronics and mobile markets, fruit and vegetable markets remained shut. Restaurant and transport associations also announced support for the strike.

In Lahore, all groups within the Anjuman-e-Tajiran supported the strike, backed by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce. Major business hubs, including Shah Alam Market, Akbari Mandi, Anarkali, Hall Road, The Mall, McLeod Road, and Montgomery Road, saw widespread closures.

Read more: Islamabad expands emission testing to private vehicles

Other areas like Samanabad, Ichhra, Abid Market, Gulberg, Defence, Mughalpura, Daroghawala, Railway Road, Azam Cloth Market, Pakistan Cloth Market, Misri Shah, and Paper Market also witnessed partial to full shutdown.

Trader leader Haji Maqsood Butt said today’s strike was successful and that any attempt to intimidate traders will be resisted. “We’ve proven our unity. We will not accept FBR’s excessive powers or forced regulations,” he stated.

In Hyderabad, markets such as Anaj Mandi, Ghulam Centre, Tilak Chari Road, Electronics Market, and Resham Bazaar remained closed. Some areas like Tower Market, Shahi Bazaar, and Sakhi Peer Road were partially open.

Reports of partial or full business closures also came from Peshawar, Quetta, and several other cities.