On Saturday a strike was observed nationwide throughout Pakistan to express solidarity with the people of Palestine, with companies and commercial activities that stop. The strike, called by Jamaat-E-Islami (JI) and several commercial organizations, aimed to send a powerful message against Israeli oppression of the Palestinian people.
According to Express News, from Karachi to Peshawar, the strike was widely observed, with closed markets, the streets almost devoid of traffic and everyday life stops. The strike served as a marked reminder of the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, with Pakistani from all areas of life expressing their support for the Palestinians and condemning violence.
In Karachi, the central and smaller markets in the city closed. The protesters took to the streets in some areas, singing slogans in support of the Palestinians and against Israel. The traffic police in several cities adjusted the routes to administer the situation caused by protests and demonstrations.
A worker who speaks on his mobile phone is out of closed stores to show his solidarity with the Palestinians, in Karachi on April 26, 2025 in the middle of the ongoing Gaza conflict. Photo: AFP
Hafiz Naeem-Ur-Rehman, the emir of Jamaat-E-Islami, commented 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 a call to raise the voices of the oppressed.
“Today, there is a strike in all Karachi,” said Monem Zafar Khan, Ji Karachi chief. He stressed that the strike received support not only from the Karachi business community but also from professionals, students and civil society groups. “It is a closing strike. Everyone, from the business community to the academics and civil society of Karachi, are in solidarity.”
In Peshawar, historical markets such as Qissa Khawani, Chowk Yadgar and Ashraf Road were completely closed, with main shopping centers and shopping centers that also participated in the closing strike. Similarly, in the areas of Murree in Las Colinas, a complete strike was observed, with Mall Road, Cantt Market and the surrounding areas completely deserted.
The strike also affected Rawalpindi, where key areas such as Raja Bazaar, Murree Road and Saddar were disturbingly silent. In addition, the medical and pharmaceutical community joined the protest, with the Association of Pharmacists and Chemists participating in the strike, which caused many medical stores to remain closed in solidarity with the Palestinians.
A worker who pushes a truck by 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 ongoing Gaza conflict. Photo: AFP
In the southwest province of Baluchistan, commercial activities were completely suspended in cities such as Quetta, Mastung, Khuzdar, Kalat and Pishin. Similarly, in the cities of Punjab, residents participated in the strike, sending a clear message of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Usman Sharif, a representative of the Association of the All-Pakistan Coteña Industry in Karachi, added that Pakistani merchants were eager to contribute to the Palestinian cause, either through financial support, participation in attacks or manifestations of solidarity.
“Each merchant wants to contribute in some way,” said Sharif. “This strike is happening throughout the country, and here in Karachi, people are participating fully.”
