LOWER DIR: A complete shutter-down strike was observed in the main Talaash market of Lower Dir on a nationwide call by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, with businesses remaining closed throughout the day.
Commercial activity was suspended in Talaash and surrounding markets, including Ziarat Talaash, Nasafa, Katgula, Sarai Payin and Shamshi Khan. The markets remained largely deserted during the strike.
The strike was called by Jamaat-e-Islami central Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman to protest rising inflation, repeated increases in petroleum prices, what the party described as harsh tax measures and steep electricity bills.
JI Leaders Visit Talaash
Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North Ameer Inayatullah Khan visited Talaash Bazaar during the strike and thanked traders and residents for supporting the protest.
Local JI leaders, traders and community representatives also expressed their views and criticized government policies, calling for relief from rising prices and increasing household and business costs.
Those speaking on the occasion included Anjuman Tahafuz Tajaran Talaash Bazaar President Dr Noor Muhammad, General Secretary Haji Ghulam Muhammad, JI Talaash Zone Ameer Maulana Qari Javed Iqbal, former Tehsil Nazim Riaz Muhammad Advocate, and local elders Maulana Abdul Karim and Inayat-ur-Rehman.
The representatives thanked the public, business community, political parties and other organizations for supporting or expressing solidarity with the shutter-down strike.