Traders around Data Darbar scared of retuning home empty-handed

Say rally of former PM will severely affect their business, many urge Nawaz to reconsider

LAHORE: Many say nobody leaves Data Sahib’s darbar empty-handed and that is exactly where it is believed ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif plans to address a rally on his return to the city.

However, small business owners and vendors may have to head back home with nothing in their pockets. “Data Sahib never refused those who cannot defend themselves,” a follower of the Sufi Saint says. Others add that Nawaz is actually visiting the shrine to pay his respects to Data Sahib rather than make a political statement.



Though the venue of his speech is yet to be confirmed, people expect that it will be at the shrine where Nawaz will speak to the public. Those not looking forward to his speech are thousands of sellers in the area of milk, fruits, vegetable, cloth, chicken and tyres. Also likely to be affected are travelers from Kala Shah Kaku, Ferozwalla, Sialkot and Narowal, while patients of the Shahdara, Lady Wellington and Mayo hospitals may also suffer.



Muhammad Qasim, who sells fruits at Imamia Phattak, tells The Express Tribune that he will lose Rs5,000 if they do not allow him to sell fruit for the day.

“It is my routine to take guava from Sharaqpur to the area for sale. I am a daily wager and a Rs5,000 loss is a big amount for me. He should reconsider his big arrival for the sake of the common people.”

Similar sentiments have been expressed by Laal Dada, who is busy polishing shoes just in front of the Shrine. “Today, law enforcement agencies did not allow street vendors to sell their items. I know tomorrow will present a curfew-like situation for street vendors and daily wagers,” he fears.



Laal Dada hopes Nawaz Sharif is also a devotee of Data Sahib and he will not harm the livelihood of the common man. “Millions of people will be deprived of their daily wages,” he claims. “Look at the shrine, it is full of life. He (the Sufi saint) is giving food and shelter to everyone, but tomorrow I will not come here. I wish he (Nawaz) reconsiders.”

The area is considered a PML-N stronghold. Posters and banners have been put up at every corner and on all signboards. Also, welcome stages were established at Shahdara Chowk where loudspeaker systems and lighting was also put up.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2017.