Reports initially circulated that the Commissioner of Karachi had declared a public holiday on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in response to a strike called by various organizations; however, the news turned out be fake.
The strike, which was to address issues such as the protection of Sindh’s water resources, solidarity with Palestinians, and the rights of the Baloch people, prompted concerns over potential disruptions in the city.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) had earlier announced a nationwide strike on April 22, 2025, to protest Israeli actions in Gaza, with Karachi also feeling the impact. In solidarity with Palestine, citizens participated in the strike, and later, JI, alongside Karachi’s traders, called for a full strike on April 26. Various traders’ organizations in the city expressed support, raising concerns that business activities in Karachi would be completely suspended.
A notification circulated on social media, attributed to the Commissioner Karachi, saying that all government and private offices, educational institutions, and other establishments would remain closed on April 26. The notification mentioned the decision was made for the convenience of citizens and to maintain law and order.
However, the Karachi Commissioner’s office has since refuted the notification as fake. A spokesperson clarified that the announcement of the public holiday was not issued by the Commissioner.
