SWAT: In a historic show of solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian brethren, a complete shutter-down strike was observed across Malakand Division on Saturday.
Districts, including Swat, Buner, Shangla, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Malakand, and Bajaur witnessed the closure of all commercial activities.
Markets, shopping centers, private educational institutions, and small and large industries remained closed throughout the day. Traffic on major roads was significantly reduced, and citizens observed a day of mourning to express their grief over Israeli aggression in Gaza.
Special prayers were offered for Palestinian martyrs at various places.
In Swat’s tehsils, including Barikot, Kabal, Khwazakhela, Charbagh, Matta, Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam, Kanju, and Manglawar also observed a complete shutdown and staged protest demonstrations.
Addressing the protesters, speakers strongly condemned Israeli brutality and urged Muslim countries to take a firm and unified stand for protection of Palestinian rights.
Protesters also called for a widespread boycott of Israeli products.
President of the Malakand Division Traders Federation, Abdur Rahim, while speaking to the media, said the overwhelming success of the strike reflects the unity of the Muslim Ummah with the Palestinian cause.
He called on the rulers of the Muslim world to adopt a collective and practical approach to halt Israeli atrocities.
