Karachi Bar backs nationwide strike against inflation

KARACHI: The Karachi Bar Association has announced its support for today’s nationwide strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami and traders against rising inflation and the petroleum levy.

In a statement, the Karachi Bar said it would organise a peaceful protest rally from the Sindh High Court to the Karachi Press Club. The rally is aimed at expressing concern over rising prices and the financial difficulties faced by the public.

The association said the strike and the suspension or limited availability of public transport could create difficulties for lawyers and litigants travelling to courts.

Keeping these circumstances in view, the Karachi Bar requested the courts not to issue strict orders against lawyers or litigants who are unable to appear because of transport disruptions or the strike.

The development comes as Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a countrywide strike to protest against the petroleum levy, inflation and what it describes as excessive taxation on the public.

Speaking at a sit-in in Lahore, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticised the government’s approach towards negotiations with the protesters. He alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders were holding talks while simultaneously using force.

Naeemur Rehman said the party would announce its next course of action after assessing the response to today’s strike. He maintained that the protest movement against the petroleum levy would continue.

He also described the levy as a tax imposed on the public and said his party would continue highlighting issues affecting ordinary citizens.

The strike is expected to affect businesses, transport and routine activities in several parts of the country, while the Karachi Bar’s support has added a legal community dimension to the protest.

The Karachi Bar reiterated that its planned rally would remain peaceful and would focus on highlighting public concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living.