Traders’ body seeks relaxation in lockdown

Suggest opening commercial markets after sunset to prevent rush

RAWALPINDI: The supra body of traders, All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (APAT), has called for immediate relaxation in the lockdown for businesses.

In a statement issued on Friday, APAT President Ajmal Baloch demanded the government to immediately announce relaxation in the lockdown and avoid leaving the traders and businessmen in a lurch.

He added that it was the responsibility of the government to look after those who do not go about begging for assistance, adding that the traders were amongst such people.

“The government should not put us to test and further,” Baloch expressed and added that the businessmen had sacrificed a lot for over a month to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, he clarified that they do not have the strength to continue closure of businesses.

APAT president suggested the government allow commercial markets to open after sunset to prevent rush in the markets.

Criticising the political parties opposing relaxation in the lockdown, the official said that it was over their heads and demanded to refrain from politics in the name of traders.

Baloch said that the opposition had no right to resist the relaxation in the lockdown if the prime minister was in favour of it.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2020.