Traders say 7pm too early, agree to close shops at 9pm

Hyderabad's traders want govt to review its decision

HYDERABAD: The traders' community of Hyderabad has proposed some amendments to the Sindh government's plan to close markets early. The suggestions include increasing the closing time from 7pm to 9pm and an unwavering assurance by the government for the provision of uninterrupted supply of electricity during working hours.

On Sunday, this proposal was floated after a meeting of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (HCSTSI), an association registered with the federal commerce ministry. "There is a general consensus in our community that it is impossible to shut down shops and markets by 7pm, according to the government's decision. The timing is very unrealistic," said Muhammad Akram Ansari, the association's president.



"However, we [at the meeting] have conditionally agreed to shut down the shops by 9pm if continuous supply of electricity during the working hours is ensured."

The HCSTSI also welcomed the government's announcement to close wedding halls by 10pm and serve only one dish. The Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has already welcomed the announcement related to weddings.

The government has planned to implement the decision - both of the markets and the wedding halls - from November 1.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2016.