Punjab traders seek uniform 8pm market closure in Cantts and DHA too

LAHORE: Traders from across Punjab have urged the federal and provincial governments to enforce any decision on early market closures uniformly, including in cantonment areas and the Defence Housing Authority.

All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran General Secretary Naeem Mir said traders were willing to accept the federal government’s proposal to shut markets, shopping malls and bazaars at 8pm every day, except on holidays, but wanted the policy applied without exception throughout the province.

He said, “We accept the proposal and decision of the federal government to close markets, shopping malls, bazaars etc at 8pm daily except the holidays. But we want this decision to be implemented in true letter and spirit without any discrimination across the province, including Cantts and DHA.”

According to Mir, he was meeting business representatives from different traders’ unions in Punjab and they had unanimously agreed to accept the 8pm closure timing in view of the prevailing security situation. He said the decision was being supported because the military and law enforcement agencies were making efforts to maintain law and order and peace.

He said, “Currently, I am sitting with businesspersons representing various traders’ unions of Punjab and all unanimously agreed to accept this decision of closing businesses at 8pm, keeping in view the current security situation for which our military or law enforcement agencies are trying hard to maintain law and order and peace.”

Traders say no consultation has taken place

Mir also said traders had not been taken into confidence by the authorities so far. He stated that the local district administration had neither held consultations nor discussed the matter with the trader community.

He said, “No one from the provincial government has consulted with us in this regard so far, as we are taking decisions keeping in view the media reports. It is sad.”

On the other hand, the Lahore district administration appeared to have a different understanding of the situation. A spokesman for the administration said the 10pm market closure timing remained in place and that an 8pm deadline had not yet been decided.

The spokesman said, “8pm closure timing is not yet decided, as 10pm is still intact. Lahore DC also has the same information.”

The statements point to a lack of clarity over whether revised business hours have formally been adopted in Lahore, even as trader representatives across Punjab say they are prepared to comply with an earlier closing time if it is implemented equally in all areas.

The demand from traders centres on what they describe as across-the-board enforcement, with specific reference to residential and commercial localities that fall within cantonments and DHA limits.