Traders demand end to smart lockdown

Say restrictions and power issues are crippling businesses, threatening livelihoods

RAWALPINDI:

The Central Traders Association Rawalpindi Cantonment has demanded the immediate and complete lifting of the current smart lockdown, calling on the government to allow markets, restaurants and all other businesses to operate without restrictions and to provide traders with a safe and enabling environment to conduct their activities.

According to details, an emergency meeting of the association was held under the chairmanship of President Mirza Muneer Baig, Group Leader Sheikh Hafeez, and General Secretary Muhammad Zafar Qadri. Representatives from all trader organisations in Rawalpindi Cantonment attended in large numbers. After detailed deliberations on the prevailing situation, participants unanimously urged the government to announce an immediate end to the smart lockdown.

Traders stated that ongoing checkpoints and restrictions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the past 15 days, imposed in the name of security, have severely disrupted business activities, pushing many traders to the brink. The meeting particularly focused on the difficulties faced by the hotel and restaurant sector, noting that limited operating hours and lockdown measures have nearly paralysed the industry, affecting not only business owners but also the livelihoods of thousands of employees. Participants stressed that immediate relief for this sector is essential.

Serious concern was also expressed over the increase in petroleum prices and rising operational costs, which have fuelled inflation and significantly reduced the purchasing power of the public, making essential goods increasingly unaffordable.

Additionally, traders voiced strong reservations about unannounced load shedding, high electricity tariffs, and excessive utility bills. They said that under current conditions, it has become impossible for the business community to bear such high energy costs. The meeting urged the government to immediately reduce per-unit electricity rates to provide meaningful relief and help sustain business activity.

Trader leaders emphasised that the business community has always supported the government in difficult times, prioritising national interest, dignity and respect for state institutions. However, they warned that the situation has now become unbearable. They reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for traders' rights and maintaining continuous engagement with authorities to resolve pressing issues.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for the government to provide maximum facilitation to traders, immediately lift the smart lockdown, allow uninterrupted business operations and ensure that traders can work without fear or undue interference.

Participants also condemned unwarranted harassment and unnecessary intervention by various government departments, urging authorities to put an end to such practices. They stressed that traders are the backbone of the economy and failure to support them could further worsen the country's economic situation.