Pakistan witnessed a complete shutdown across several cities on Saturday as traders, businesses, and citizens joined a countrywide strike to show solidarity with Palestinians.
In cities like Murree, Peshawar, Pakpattan, Gojra, Kamalia, Kot Addu, and Tando Muhammad Khan, almost all shops and markets stayed closed. Streets looked deserted as people supported the call given by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).
In Murree, Mal Road, Cantt Market, Bhurban Market, Aliot, and Phagwari turned into ghost towns. No shops opened. No crowds gathered. The cool air of Murree carried a heavy silence instead of the usual tourist chatter.
Peshawar also observed a complete shutdown. Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Ashraf Road, and Khyber Bazaar — usually buzzing with life — remained locked and empty. Traders voluntarily closed their businesses to express their outrage over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Pakpattan followed the same pattern. Every commercial center and market kept its shutters down. Similar scenes unfolded in Gojra, Kamalia, and Kot Addu where business owners showed unity with Palestine.
In Tando Muhammad Khan, markets remained shut all day. Streets that are normally packed with vendors and shoppers were eerily quiet.
Rawalpindi’s Major Markets Close
Rawalpindi saw one of its biggest shutdowns in recent times. Major commercial hubs like Raja Bazaar, Saddar, Murree Road, and Commercial Market closed completely. Traders and citizens came together, leaving the usually crowded streets almost empty.
Traffic was extremely thin throughout the day. Even medical stores remained largely closed. The Druggist and Chemist Association supported the strike, adding to the overwhelming response across the city.
Karachi, Lahore, Quetta Join In
The strike was not limited to a few cities. Major metropolitan areas like Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta also observed near-total shutdowns. In Karachi, small markets to large shopping centres closed their doors. Traffic flow remained lighter than usual.
Lahore witnessed closed markets from Liberty to Anarkali. In Quetta, business centres stayed shut as shopkeepers and traders showed their anger against Israeli brutality.
In other towns such as Matiari, Noshki, Malakand, and Hangu, commercial hubs, hotels, and shops remained closed in a strong show of solidarity.
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Hafiz Naeem Urges National Unity
Speaking on the occasion, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rahman praised the people for standing up for Palestine.
He said the genocide of Palestinians was unbearable for Pakistanis. “We love Palestine. It lives in the heart of every Pakistani,” he stated.
He urged the international community to act against Israel’s oppression. Hafiz Naeem also condemned the United States for supporting Israeli actions.
A Day of Unprecedented Solidarity
The nationwide shutter-down strike sent a loud message across the globe. Pakistanis demonstrated that they stand firmly with the oppressed Palestinians.
The strike reflected the deep anger and sorrow felt across the country over the continued violence in Gaza.
Officials and citizens alike called for justice, peace, and an end to Israel’s military aggression.
The empty streets and closed shops on Saturday stood as a symbol of a nation’s voice demanding an end to injustice.
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