Strike Against Hate Film: With markets closed, residents suffer

ISLAMABAD:  The unprecedented manner in which protesters took to the streets to denounce the blasphemous video on Friday resulted in closure of all markets, including medical stores, across the city. The situation created tremendous difficulties for people, especially those in need of medicines.

This was the first time that a strike was observed in such a widespread manner, with petrol pumps, businesses and restaurants remaining closed all day long to avoid rampage by the mobs of demonstrators.

“I didn’t expect the entire city to be shut down. I came back late from work yesterday and couldn’t get medicine for my son. Now I don’t know what I am supposed to do,” said Ashraf Ansari, a resident of G-9.

“I came out to get household items and there isn’t a single shop open,” said a woman looking for a shop to buy goods from in G-7.

Residents were not the only ones who suffered. Protesters were also annoyed due to unavailability of water and food items.

However, they seemed unconcerned with the impact on other members of the public. Moreover, the petrified shop owners saw no other option but to comply. “We do not want our entire merchandise to be set alight, we’ll do as told,” said a shopkeeper from Aabpara. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2012.