Traders reject early market closures

Traders and the business community in Rawalpindi have rejected the government's austerity-driven policy restricting business hours, demanding an extension in operating times for markets, shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants.

They have called for commercial centres to remain open until 10pm and for hotels and restaurants to operate until midnight. The traders also demanded that petroleum prices be brought within the public's reach, warning that failure to accept their demands could leave them with no option but to protest after consultation.

Addressing a joint press conference under the leadership of Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Punjab President Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, trader representatives from Rawalpindi city and cantonment, including Sheikh Hafeez, Tariq Jadoon, Zafar Qadri, and Munir Baig, voiced strong opposition to the restrictions.

They also paid tribute to the armed forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the nation on the completion of one year of "Marka-e-Haq," stating that the business community stands firmly with the armed forces.

The traders said they have always cooperated with the government and administration in the national interest, but their concerns are not being addressed.

They described the current situation as highly challenging, noting that shop closure timings have been set at 8pm and for hotels and restaurants at 10pm in Punjab.

They termed these restrictions "unjust," stating that while such decisions are imposed swiftly, revisions are ignored. They demanded that market closing times be immediately extended from 8pm to 10pm, and restaurant timings from 10pm to 12am.

The trader representatives further said inflation is soaring and blamed government policies for the surge, particularly citing high fuel prices as a key driver.

They urged the government to reduce petrol prices to the minimum level and ease the burden on the public instead of generating revenue from fuel.

They added that while traders are already struggling due to inflation and previous lockdowns, they are also facing an increasing tax burden. "Only as much pressure should be imposed as the business community can bear," they said.

Warning of agitation, the traders said if their demands regarding business hours are not accepted, they will consult and take to the streets. "We want to avoid confrontation, but if the government ignores public and trader concerns, it will be responsible for the consequences," they said.

They also referred to Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari's statement about no load-shedding, urging authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply until shops close.

The traders noted that with Eidul Azha approaching, they have repeatedly staged protests in the past, including blocking Murree Road two and a half months ago to press for their demands. They said they had shown restraint in recent weeks due to national considerations and visiting foreign guests, but warned that continued early closures are causing losses worth millions of rupees daily.