Traders observe strike in solidarity with Palestinians

Traders in parts of Lahore observed a shutter-down strike on Saturday on a call by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to express solidarity with Palestinians facing ongoing attacks in Gaza.

Major wholesale markets and key commercial centres, including Badami Bagh - one of Punjab's largest auto parts markets - as well as Urdu Bazaar, Mall Road, Hall Road, Anarkali, Shahalam Market, Brandreth Road and various markets within the Walled City, remained closed throughout the day.

Many traders and shopkeepers expressed condemnation of Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza.

A trader, Muhammad Ishaq, said he stood in full solidarity with the Palestinian people. However, he argued that shutter-down strikes were ineffective and only harmed the local economy without offering tangible benefits to Palestinians.

Sajjad Rashid, a shopkeeper at Liberty Market, said, "We fully condemn the atrocities in Gaza, but a stronger and unified political move by Muslim leaders would have a far greater impact than a few hours of market closures in Pakistan."

Similar sentiments were echoed by other traders who emphasised the need for a unified and decisive response from Muslim world leaders.

The latest figures from Gaza highlight the devastating toll of Israel's 18-month military campaign. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, at least 61,700 Palestinians have been confirmed dead, with thousands more missing and presumed dead under the rubble. Gaza's health authorities reported that 117,248 Palestinians have been wounded. Gaza's health infrastructure has been crippled.