Traders oppose early closure of markets

The Rawalpindi Central Association of Traders has strongly rejected the government's recent orders to close business centres at 8pm.

In a meeting held by the traders' representatives, they warned the government about the potential consequences of such a decision, questioning whether it was wise to sacrifice billions of rupees in revenue to save just one billion.

The association’s Rawalpindi division president Zahid Bakhtawari expressed his firm opposition to the orders, emphasising that they would have a detrimental impact on the national economy.

He stated that if forced to comply, the traders would stage a protest, holding the government responsible for the aftermath.

The emergency meeting saw members from all tehsils and districts rallying behind the president.

Addressing the gathering, Bakhtawari highlighted the already dire situation faced by the business community. He pointed out that citizens prefer to shop in the evening hours, particularly during the hot afternoons of June.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2023.