Dealers in parts of Lahore observed a closing strike on Saturday on a call from Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to express solidarity with Palestinians facing ongoing attacks in Gaza.

Larger wholesale markets and central commercial centers, including Badami Bagh – one of Punjab’s largest car parts – as well as Urdu Bazaar, Mall Road, Hall Road, Anarkali, Shahalam Market, Brandreth Road and various markets within the walled city, remained closed all day.

Many traders and shop owners expressed condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza.

A trader, Muhammad Ishaq, said he was in full solidarity with the Palestinian people. However, he argued that shutdown strikes were ineffective and only injured the local economy without offering tangible benefits to Palestinians.

Sajjad Rashid, a shop owner at Liberty Market, said: “We fully condemn the atrocities of Gaza, but a stronger and unified political step from Muslim leaders would have a much greater influence than a few hours of market extinguishing in Pakistan.”

Similar emotions were repeated by other dealers who emphasized the need for a comprehensive and decisive response from Muslim world leaders.

The latest figures from Gaza highlight the devastating toll for Israel’s 18-month military campaign. According to Gaza Government Media Office, at least 61,700 Palestinians have been confirmed dead, with thousands more missing and presumably died under the rubble. Gaza’s health authorities reported that 117,248 Palestinians have been injured. Gaza’s health infrastructure has been curled.