Karachi traders join nationwide strike over taxes and inflation

Karachi traders have joined a nationwide strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami for Thursday, September 3, against rising taxes, inflation, and new petrol and diesel charges, with major markets set to close. The All City Traders Alliance and All Iron and Steel Merchants Association announced full support, joining 43 markets and electronics dealers in Clifton and DHA. The shutdown covers most markets, malls, and electronics outlets from Clifton to Saddar, including Panorama Centre and Atrium Mall, though wholesale grocers and medicine markets will remain open. Traders demand government action to control inflation, withdraw additional taxes, and ease economic burdens. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned of expanded protests, including a possible long march on Islamabad, if the government fails to scrap the petrol levy and renegotiate agreements with independent power producers. Sit-ins continue in provincial capitals, with the party calling the strike "historic."