Karachi's Largest Wholesale Market to Remain Closed Tomorrow Over Traders' Strike
The Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association said wholesale businesses in Jodia Bazaar, Lea Market, Dandia Bazaar, Nanakwara, Landhi, Malir, Korangi, and Liaquatabad will also remain closed in solidarity.
Association Chairman Rauf Ibrahim said the closure would disrupt the supply of food commodities from Karachi to various parts of the country.
He alleged that authorities have been arresting traders, issuing heavy fines, sealing shops, and harassing business owners under the pretext of controlling flour prices.
According to Ibrahim, many traders were issued penalty notices ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs150,000, but instead of receiving official challan documents, they were allegedly provided only with digital payment numbers for the fines.
He further questioned why flour mill owners were not facing similar enforcement measures, arguing that expensive flour originates from the mills rather than wholesale markets. He also claimed that several wholesale shops remain sealed despite traders' objections.
The strike is expected to affect the wholesale supply chain of essential commodities if the dispute remains unresolved.