Post-Eid curbs spark traders' backlash
The provincial administration has re-imposed a smart lockdown after Eid, directing traders to close shops, markets, and commercial centres by 9 pm.
The business community has strongly rejected the decision, warning that if immediate relief is not provided, they will launch a nationwide protest movement.
In a joint statement, President of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Traders Organization, Malik Mehar Ilahi, President of the Peshawar Chamber of Commerce, Shakeel Ahmed Khan Sarraf and other leaders said that with the easing of tensions and announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Prime Minister should immediately announce the lifting of the lockdown across the country.
They pointed out that prolonged economic stagnation and record inflation have already wiped out the purchasing power of the masses, a reality that seems lost on policymakers.
The leaders stressed that in the current fragile economic situation, continuation of the lockdown is extremely unwise. Smart lockdown measures have already pushed traders across Pakistan into severe hardship. They added that during the summer season, peak shopping hours are between 7 pm and 11 pm. Forcibly shutting markets at 8 or 9 pm is tantamount to pushing the entire business community towards unemployment.
The traders dismissed the government's claim that early closure would save petrol as "completely wrong." They noted that businesses pay the highest electricity rates during evening peak hours (7 pm to 11 pm), generating significant revenue for the government.
"If the government is genuinely serious about saving petrol, it should withdraw free fuel and other privileges given to the elite and government officials," the statement said.
The business leaders concluded that the wheels of commerce must keep turning for any economic recovery. They urged the government to immediately take trader-friendly decisions, warning that failure to do so would leave them with no option but to launch strong protests across the country.