Traders reject early market closure

Warn of economic consequences, term 8pm closure 'economic strangulation'

RAWALPINDI:

Traders' organisations across the city, including electronics and jewellery associations and representatives of all major commercial centres, have unanimously rejected the federal cabinet's decision to enforce an 8pm market closure.

Trader bodies from the city's key trading hubs—including Moti Bazaar, Raja Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Saddar markets and Murree Road—voiced strong opposition, describing the measure as unjustified and damaging to business activity.

Meanwhile, the Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets and Bakers Association has condemned the directive to close hotels and restaurants by 10pm, terming it "economic strangulation" and demanding an immediate revision of the timings.

Association president Muhammad Farooq Chaudhry said that while the body supports all government initiatives aimed at conserving national resources, promoting efficient energy use and ensuring economic stability, such measures must not come at the cost of people's livelihoods, businesses and daily life.

He expressed grave concern over restrictions on the operating hours of restaurants, roadside eateries, tandoors and bakeries, noting that the food industry is already grappling with multiple challenges, including high electricity tariffs, gas shortages, black-marketing of LPG, heavy taxation and rising operational costs.

He further explained that during the summer season, the core business of restaurants begins in the evening and peaks after 10pm. Enforcing closures at that hour, he warned, would push the sector towards further decline.

The decision, he added, poses a serious threat not only to business owners but also to millions of workers associated with the industry, including daily wage earners, waiters, chefs, delivery personnel and other labourers. "The food industry is not a single enterprise but a source of livelihood for countless families," he said.

The association has called for an immediate review of the policy and urged the government to consult stakeholders in order to devise a practical framework that achieves energy conservation without undermining economic activity and employment.

It warned that if concerns are ignored and the decision is imposed, those linked to the sector may be compelled to take to the streets to safeguard their livelihoods, holding the government responsible for the consequences.

Separately, leaders of traders' organisations—including Naveed Kanwal, Hammad Qureshi, Sheikh Nadeem and Akbar Khan—described the move as "oppressive", arguing that while global geopolitical tensions persist, the burden of economic restrictions is being unfairly shifted onto local traders.

A joint meeting of all traders' bodies has been convened on Tuesday to formulate a unified course of action against the decision.

The traders' community has also indicated that they plan to submit a formal memorandum to the federal and provincial authorities, highlighting the economic impact of the imposed timings and requesting immediate intervention.

Business leaders stressed the need for dialogue with government representatives to reach a balanced solution that safeguards both energy conservation goals and the livelihoods of millions dependent on trade and the food sector.

They warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to organised protests and sustained demonstrations across major commercial areas of the city.