Sindh traders to resist ‘impractical’ business timings

KARACHI: The Sindh Tajir Ittehad (STI) and All Pakistan Jewellers Manufacturers Association (APJMA) on Tuesday rejected the Sindh government’s decision of banning businesses and markets to operate outside the time frame of 6 am to 6 pm.

In a statement, APJMA Chairman Muhammad Arshad said that the decision to open shops at 6 am is not viable and suggested that they be allowed to operate from 9 am till 8 pm instead.

Sindh Tajir Ittehad (STI) Chairman Jameel Paracha said that it is impossible for traders to implement the new reduced shop timings in any way, warning that traders will put up resistance if the police come to enforce the decision.

“While traders are already reeling from adverse impacts of the previous lockdown, efforts are being made to limit business activities once again,” he said.

On November 23, the government had issued a notification announcing that all businesses and markets will be allowed to open only from 6 am to 6 pm while no one would be allowed to work operate on weekends except essential services.