Traders of Karachi on Thursday announced to join the strike called by religious parties for Friday (today) against the perceived efforts of the government to amend the blasphemy law Chairman All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, Muhammad Atiq Mir told Business Recorder on Thursday that the government efforts to change the blasphemy law had upset the traders.
"There are over 300 small and big markets in the city, dealing in businesses like wholesale and retail products with billion of rupees transactions," he said adding that all shopping centers would observe strike against the attempts to change blasphemy law on Friday.
He said, "traders will never accept and tolerate any change in the blasphemy law," warning the government to refrain from such a legislation which would have far-reaching implications on the nation ideology. Religious parties have also warned the government to desist from attempting to change the law guaranteeing the protection of Prophet Muhammad''s (PBUH) sanctity.
Speaking at a joint press conference at Karachi Press Club by various religious parties'' leaders, Sindh chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S), Mulana Asad Thanivi demanded resignation of MNA Shery Rehman for challenging the law and proposing changes.
They were of the view that Pakistan was an ideological and Islamic state and changes in blasphemy law would make the very notion null and void, saying the law was the sheer reflection of nation''s belief and sentiments. They claimed that all religious and political parties irrespective of their creed and sects would support the strike call on Friday, December 31 across the country to condemn the government''s efforts to change the law.
They appealed to the nation to foil the government''s move. Warning the government with serious consequences, they said that the rulers should renounce their intention to change the law or be ready for back-clash, adding that faithful would not leave any stone unturned to protect the sanctity of the Holy Prophet and the law. Transporters, traders, political parties, rickshaw, taxi owners association and petroleum dealers association have extended their support to the strike and would keep their businesses shut across the country.