BAHAWALPUR: A complete shutter-down strike was observed across major cities on Saturday, as traders, lawyers, political activists, and citizens rallied to express solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemn Israeli aggression.

A complete shutter-down was observed in Bahawalpur city and other parts of the districts of Bahawalpur, Lodhran and Vehari to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) organised a demonstration at the busy Farid Gate to condemn Israel for its genocide of the Palestinian people. Activists of political parties including JUI, PPP, Al-Khidmat Foundation, besides traders’ bodies fluttered Palestinian flags and raised slogans supporting the people of Palestine and condemning Israel.

JI South Punjab Emir Syed Zeeshan Akhtar, president of the traders’ association Rao Khurram Saleem, Israr Shah and other leaders, in their addresses, reiterated their support for the people of Palestine and urged the Pakistan government and other Muslim states to come forward for the Palestinians.

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Traders of Dera Ghazi Khan observed a complete shutdown strike and took out peaceful rallies in solidarity with Palestinians, following a call by the All Pakistan Traders Association.

Markets remained closed as traders and citizens joined protests from Liaquat Bazaar to Traffic Chowk and Iron Market to Timber Market.

District President of the traders’ association Sheikh Muhammad Naqeeb led therallies, while JI leaders also participated along with traders and a large number of citizens.

Protesters raised Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against Israeli aggression.

GUJRAT: The city’s main commercial hubs remained shut as traders observed a complete shutter-down strike and a rally to express solidarity with the Palestinians was also taken out in the city.

Punjab JI Emir Dr Tariq Saleem addressed a protest rally in Kotla Arab Ali Khan town where local traders pledged their complete support for Palestinians.

Meanwhile, traders in other towns of Gujrat district including Jalalpur Jattan, Lalamusa, Kharian, Dinga, and Sara-i-Alamgir also observed the strike. Members of Gujrat District Bar Association and Kharian Bar Association boycotted court proceedings in support of the Palestinian cause.

SARGODHA:Traders and religious parties observed a complete shutter-down strike in the city and its surroundings in solidarity with the Muslims of Gaza and Palestine.

Traders and religious leaders said the entire nation and Muslim Ummah are deeply saddened by the aggression and barbarity committed by Israel.

They said the cruelty and massacre of innocent Muslims, children, women, and unarmed civilians is unbearable, and Islamic countries must unite and take action against Israel while continuing the boycott of Israeli products.

MIANWALI:A complete shutter-down strike was observed by traders of Mianwali to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Similarly, lawyers of the district also observed a strike, with District Bar Association Mianwali and tehsil bars of Piplan and Isakhel boycotting court proceedings.

No lawyer appeared in court, and they remained present in their respective bar rooms.

Addressing the rally, District Bar President Mohammad Aun Khan said the entire Muslim Ummah must come out of the shell of cowardice and stand united with the oppressed Palestinians.

CHINIOT:Traders observed a shutter-down strike to show solidarity with Palestinian Muslims, and business in almost all bazaars, including the Furniture Market, Muslim Bazaar, Katchery Road, Rail Bazaar and Pir Bhutta Bazaar, remained closed.

The Anjuman Tajran held a protest rally led by district president Jamil Fakhri.

The Chiniot District Bar Association also observed a half-day strike after 10am, and lawyers participated in the rally along with the traders’ community, politicians, and civil society members.

OKARA: A complete strike was observed in the city and other urban centres of Dipalpur and Renala tehsil as all shopping bazaars and market shutters remained down to express solidarity with Palestine and Gaza.

The district JI established a main camp at City Main Gole Chowk mosque where traders and PTI leaders joined hands with the district JI chapter.

From the main camp, hundreds of people took out a rally marching through various roads of the city to express solidarity with Palestine.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2025