Raising a voice: Traders decry 42% increase in rent

PESHAWAR:  Traders in Peshawar have rejected an increase of 42% in rents of shops and business centres of the Auqaf department in the province. They expressed these views while speaking to journalists at the KPCCI office on Tuesday.

According to the traders, they had an agreement with the Auqaf department that rent will be increased by 20% after every three years. As a result, a 42% increase was unjust and would affect their business.

“They have not consulted the real stakeholders before increasing rent,” KPCCI Vice President Imad Rasheed said. He added they would resist any such decision.

Rasheed said the recent increase was against the law. They urged the government to take notice of the matter otherwise traders will be compelled to protest on roads.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2016.