Karachi strike over fuel costs and IPP deals shuts markets

Karachi came to a standstill on Saturday as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) led a nationwide strike against high fuel prices, the petroleum levy, and agreements with independent power producers (IPPs), with major markets closed and scattered violence reported. Commercial hubs including Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Saddar’s electronics and mobile markets, and Chemical Market remained shut, alongside businesses in Gulbahar, Pak Colony, Qayyumabad, Marble Market, and MA Jinnah Road. Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Rizwan Irfan said virtually all trading centres participated. Traffic was noticeably lighter during the shutdown, while roughly 10 to 15 per cent of petrol stations initially stayed closed before most resumed operations later in the day. The strike reflects public anger over Pakistan's ongoing economic pressures from fuel costs and energy sector agreements.