Karachi traders vow to boycott US, Israeli products

KARACHI: In a strong show of solidarity with Iran, the trading community in Karachi has announced a boycott of American and Israeli products until what they call the “aggression” on the Islamic Republic ends. The declaration came during a passionate protest held at Khajoor Bazaar in Lea Market on Friday.

Led by Mehmood Hamid, President of All Pakistan Organization of Small Traders and Cottage Industry – Karachi chapter, the demonstration drew a large gathering of business leaders who condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by American forces. Protesters also denounced the killings of Iranian students and civilians.

Addressing the rally, Mehmood Hamid demanded that the Pakistani government immediately step in to halt the attacks on Iran. He urged the administration to move beyond what he termed the “so-called Peace Board” alleging it was a front for American-Israeli designs against Palestinians.

Hamid made a significant announcement, declaring a full-scale boycott campaign against US and Israeli products in response to the aggression. “The hearts of Pakistanis and Iranians beat together with the creed of ‘La Ilaha Illallah’,” he stated. “We strongly condemn the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei and innocent Iranians.” He also called for Pakistan to unite with other Islamic nations to establish a Palestinian state for global peace.

Javed Haji Abdullah, Chairman of the Pakistan Confectionery Association, emphasized the collective strength of the Muslim world. “If two and a half billion Muslims unite, we can stop American bullying,” he said, criticizing Muslim leaders for their silence. He framed the conflict as a war on the entire Ummah, asserting, “We consider an attack on Iran as an attack on Pakistan.”

Abdullah Yousufzai, General Secretary of the Lea Market Traders Alliance, reinforced this message of unity. “We are one nation, whether in Iran, Turkey, or Pakistan. Our Qur’an is one, our Prophet (PBUH) is one,” he said, demanding an end to the oppression.

Traders’ leader Iqbal Yousuf highlighted the economic power of a united Muslim bloc, suggesting a boycott by two billion Muslims would cripple the American and Israeli economies.

The atmosphere was electric with protesters raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Chants of “America ka jo yaar hai, ghaddar hai” (He who is friends with America is a traitor) and “Pakistan-Iran bhai bhai” (Pakistan and Iran are brothers) rang through the market.