Early closure controversy: Traders demand end to ‘unjustified arrests’

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has urged the federal government to direct the local administration and police to stop arresting traders while negotiations on the issue of early closure of shops is under way.

“Unless the ongoing negotiations between the government and the traders’ joint action committee reach a final agreement, the local administration should be asked to stop uncalled for arrests and harassment of traders,” the ICCI said in a statement issued on Monday.

ICCI President Muzzamil Hussain Sabri said PML-N MNA Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry during a joint press conference with traders had announced that shops will be closed down by 9pm as an interim relief from the government and had assured them that the local administration will not force or harass traders till the final settlement was reached.

He said that despite this clear assurance, 50 traders were arrested the very next day from various markets in Islamabad for not closing shops by 9pm and were kept in detention for the whole night, which was deplorable and unwarranted.

Sabri added the traders had requested the lawmaker for closure of shops by 10 pm and he had assured them to take up their request with the prime minister.

As the traders were waiting for his response, the local administration with the help of police rounded up several traders. He said that the traders have already suffered a huge loss due to the ongoing Metro Bus Project.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2015.