K-P govt urged to consult traders on opening shops

SCCI warns traders can no longer afford lockdowns

PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (SCCI) on Monday asked the provincial government to affix timings for opening markets and shops in the province in consultation with the traders to avoid further financial loss to businesses in the province.

This was stated by SCCI President Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz on Monday this while presiding over a meeting at the chamber. He said the decision to close all shops at 4pm has only multiplied miseries of traders who have been hit hard by the lockdown, imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

For grocery stores and shops selling daily use items to close at 4pm, Pervaiz said, was an economic genocide of traders.

The SCCI president urged the government and relevant authorities to implement decisions and policies in consultation with the chamber, traders’ bodies and associations as it will help prevent any confrontation between local administration and traders apart from ensuring the effective enforcement of orders in letter and spirit.

Pervaiz further warned that traders can no longer afford any lockdowns, adding that instead of closing shops earlier, the government should gradually open businesses and ensure that the SOPs to curb the coronavirus are followed.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2020.