On Saturday, a national strike was observed through Pakistan to express its solidarity with the inhabitants of Palestine, companies and commercial activities stopping completely. The strike, called by Jamaat-E-Islami (JI) and various commercial organizations, aimed to send a powerful message against the Israeli oppression of the Palestinian people.
According to Express News, from Karachi to Peshawar, the strike was widely observed, the closed markets, the streets almost devoid of traffic and daily life stopping. The strike served as a brutal recall of the Israeli military actions underway in Gaza, the Pakistanis from all backgrounds expressing their support for the Palestinians and condemning violence.
In Karachi, the central and smaller markets in the city were closed. The demonstrators went down to the street in certain regions, singing slogans in support of the Palestinians and against Israel. Traffic police in various cities adjusted the routes to manage the situation caused by demonstrations and gatherings.
A worker who speaks on his mobile phone is outside the closed stores to show his solidarity with the Palestinians, in Karachi on April 26, 2025, in the middle of the current Gaza conflict. Photo: AFP
Hafiz Naeem-Uhman, the emir of Jamaat-E-Islami, pointed out that the people of Pakistan would never accept Israeli brutality and the support he receives from the United States. He stressed that the strike was not only a demonstration of love for the Palestinians, but also an appeal to raise the voices of the oppressed.
“Today, there is a strike in Karachi,” said Monem Zafar Khan, Ji Karachi chief. He stressed that the strike had received support not only from the Karachi business community, but also professionals, students and civil society groups. “It’s a drop -down strike. Everyone in the business world to academics and Karachi civil society is in solidarity. ”
In Peshawar, historical markets such as Qissa Khawani, Chowk Yadgar and Ashraf Road were completely closed, with large shopping centers and shopping centers also participating in the shutter strike. Similarly, in the regions of Murrier’s Hill, a complete strike was observed, with Mall Road, Cantt Market and completely deserted surroundings.
The strike also affected Rawalpindi, where key areas like Raja Bazaar, Murrier Road and Saddar were strangely silent. In addition, the medical and pharmaceutical community has joined the demonstration, the pharmacist and the chemist participating in the strike, which means that many medical stores remain closed in solidarity with the Palestinians.
A worker pushing an arm card was walking in a deserted street during a national strike to show his solidarity with the Palestinians, in Karachi on April 26, 2025, in the middle of the current Gaza conflict. Photo: AFP
In the province of southwest Balutchistan, commercial activities were fully suspended in cities like Quetta, Mastung, Khuzdar, Kalat and Pishin. Likewise, in the cities of Punjab, the residents participated in the strike, sending a clear message of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Usman Sharif, an All-Pakistan Cottage Industry Association representative in Karachi, added that Pakistani merchants were impatient to contribute to the Palestinian cause, whether by financial support, participation in strikes or solidarity rallies.
“Each trader wants to contribute in one way or another,” said Sharif. “This strike occurs across the country, and here in Karachi, people participate fully.”
