Karachi mayor Murtaza Wahab slams JI strike over economic losses

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Thursday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) nationwide shutter-down strike saying the closure of markets and businesses caused billions of rupees in losses and placed an unfair burden on daily-wage workers.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Thursday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) nationwide shutter-down strike saying the closure of markets and businesses caused billions of rupees in losses and placed an unfair burden on daily-wage workers.

The strike was observed across Pakistan in protest against the government’s petroleum levy and rising inflation. In Karachi, traders, petrol pump operators, private schools and lawyers joined the protest, resulting in widespread closures across major commercial areas. Business activity remained subdued and traffic was lighter than usual.

Speaking at the inauguration of a road project in North Nazimabad, Wahab warned political parties against using strikes as a way to make political points at the expense of ordinary citizens.

He recalled that Karachi had experienced years of strikes extortion and law-and-order problems during the 1980s and 1990s before the security situation gradually improved. He expressed concern that repeated shutdowns could take the city back to an era of disruption.

Wahab said even a one-day halt in business activity could cause billions of rupees in losses to Karachi’s economy. He added that daily-wage workers suffered even more because they lost their income whenever markets and businesses remained closed.

The mayor also criticised JI chief Naeemur Rehman for praising traders who supported the strike. Referring to the rise in petrol prices he questioned the effectiveness of the protest noting that prices had increased from Rs314 to Rs346.

The JI said the shutdown was part of its broader campaign against the petroleum levy and rising economic pressure. The party called for the withdrawal of the levy and measures to provide relief to households and businesses.

JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan described the shutdown as largely peaceful and successful although he said some disruptive elements had set tyres on fire in certain areas.

Meanwhile, Wahab highlighted development work carried out by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). He said a 3.15-kilometre dual carriageway in North Nazimabad had been completed despite encroachments, damaged footpaths and water leakage problems.

The road connects Shahrah-e-Pakistan with Shahrah-e-Noor Jehan. Wahab said several infrastructure issues were addressed before the project was completed.

He credited KMC engineers and Pakistan Peoples Party workers for the development project, stressing that elected representatives should focus on delivering services rather than political slogans.

Wahab also pledged that KMC funds would be spent on public services rather than political publicity or activities that disrupt businesses. He said his administration would continue working for Karachi’s residents despite criticism.

The strike highlighted the growing political and economic tensions surrounding fuel prices and inflation, while the mayor’s comments underscored concerns over the financial impact of repeated shutdowns on Karachi’s businesses and workers.