In Lahore: Traders oppose business shutdown

The government should give directives to businesses to apply safety measures before Eidul Azha rather than ordering a complete shutdown, suggested officials of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

In a statement on Monday, LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar and Vice President Mian Zahid Jawaid Ahmad said the closure of businesses before Eidul Azha would deal a huge blow to traders, who were already struggling to recover from losses.

“Businessmen have borne massive losses during the prolonged lockdown imposed to contain Covid-19,” they said. “Still, they continued to cooperate with the government to curb the spread of coronavirus.” They pointed out that the pandemic was now well under control in Pakistan, hence, there was no need to shut down businesses before Eid. “Allowing businesses to operate 24 hours till Eidul Azha will be a wise decision as it will assist people in shopping at suitable timings and help avoid overcrowding in the markets,” they added.

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

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