TLP forcibly shuts markets in Lahore despite traders' refusal

Traders complain of harassment by baton-wielding TLP workers, demanding the govt to provide security

Baton-wielding workers of the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) forcefully shut down the Kashmir Block, Karachi Block, and several other markets in Lahore on Monday despite refusal of the traders to comply with their shutter-down strike against inflation and hike in fuel prices.

On Feb 17, the TLP had given a 72-hour 'ultimatum' to the federal government to withdraw the latest hike on petroleum products, warning it of dire consequences if the prices are not brought down.

TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi had warned that if the government does not withdraw the price hike, the party would do "what it is known for"—a reference to protest marches in the recent past that brought the federal capital to a standstill.

According to Express News, traders in the Punjab provincial capital complained of harassment by TLP workers, saying that “these people could attack anyone while shouting their religious slogans”.

Also read: TLP gives govt 72-hour 'ultimatum' to withdraw fuel price hike

The traders said TLP workers forcibly closed Kashmir Block, Karachi Block, Azam Market, New Alamgir Market, Shah Alam, and many other commercial areas.

President of the Lahore Traders Association, Mujahid Maqsood Butt, said TLP baton-wielding workers were roaming the markets in the form of groups on motorbikes and forcibly closed the road leading to Niazi Adda and the market around the Shizan Factory area of the provincial capital.

Similarly, a group of TLP workers closed the entrance of the city’s main commercial Hall Road, where a large number of shopkeepers gathered outside their shops and demanded the government to provide them security.

The traders of Urdu Bazaar said a group of 20 to 25 TLP motorcyclists closed the shops and Shah Alam market despite the presence of the police.

The Lahore traders’ association president appealed to the administration for protection, saying that some elements are openly threatening the tax payers while police are playing the role of a spectator.