Traders reject post-Eid market curbs, warn of nationwide protests

PESHAWAR: Trader representatives in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have opposed the reimposition of a smart lockdown after Eid, under which shops, markets and commercial centres have been ordered to close by 9pm, and warned that they may launch protests across the country if the restrictions are not eased.

In a joint statement, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Traders Organization President Malik Mehar Ilahi, Peshawar Chamber of Commerce President Shakeel Ahmed Khan Sarraf and other business leaders said the federal government should immediately lift lockdown measures nationwide in view of easing tensions and the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

The traders' leaders said prolonged economic stagnation and record inflation had already eroded the purchasing power of the public, adding that policymakers appeared to be overlooking these conditions. They said continuing lockdown measures in an already fragile economic environment would be damaging, and argued that smart lockdowns had pushed traders in different parts of Pakistan into serious difficulty.

Business hours and fuel-saving claim challenged

The statement said the busiest shopping period during summer runs from 7pm to 11pm, and that forcing markets to shut at 8pm or 9pm would amount to pushing the trading community towards unemployment. The business representatives also rejected the government's position that earlier closures would help save petrol.

Referring to energy costs, they said commercial users pay the highest electricity tariffs during evening peak hours from 7pm to 11pm, which, according to them, brings substantial revenue to the government.

In the joint statement, the traders said:"If the government is genuinely serious about saving petrol, it should withdraw free fuel and other privileges given to the elite and government officials."

The business leaders said economic recovery depends on keeping commercial activity running. They urged the government to make decisions they said would support traders, and warned that if no immediate relief was provided, they would have no option but to begin a strong protest campaign across the country.