Balochistan traders to reopen shops after April 21

Traders say already borne immense losses

QUETTA: The Central Anjuman e Tajiran of Balochistan on Tuesday announced they will restore business activities throughout the province and re-open the entire business after April 21.

The decision was announced by the trade union president Abdul Rahim Kakar while addressing a news conference on Tuesday after meeting with provincial government representatives.

“In the first phase dry-fruit markets, tailors, date shops, agricultural items’ shops, and restaurants will be opened from today as we discussed our demands and concerns with provincial government,” Kakar said, adding that restaurants will only serve parcels.

He added that, “We have scheduled a meeting with government representatives on April 19th after which all shops and business activities would be restored across Balochistan.”

Kakar was accompanied with Syed Qayoum Agha, Hazrat Ali and other trade union leaders.

“We have already borne immense losses due to the lockdown imposed to avert the COVID-19 spread but now we are unable to keep our businesses shut,” Kakar said, adding that, they have informed the provincial government regarding their grievances over the extension in lockdown.

He further said, delegation of provincial government comprising Asghar Khan Achakzai, Saleem Khosa, Commissioner Quetta and security officials corroborated our concerns.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2020.