Hairdressers seek extension of salon timings

Association says 10pm closure leaves salons unable to meet expenses

RAWALPINDI:

The federal and Punjab governments have been urged to relax working-hour restrictions for hairdressers in the twin cities, as the requirement to close salons at 10pm has made it difficult for them to meet business expenses and support their families.

President of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Hairdressers Association Haji Mohammad Younis made the appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying the restriction on working hours had created a situation of hunger in the homes of workers.

He demanded that the working hours be extended until midnight.

Haji Mohammad Younis said hundreds of workers associated with the hairdressing and salon profession in Rawalpindi and Islamabad depended on these shops and salons for their livelihoods and supported their families through them.

He said their businesses had been badly affected due to the lockdown.

He further said most customers came to their salons and shops after finishing their office and duty hours. However, when their working time began, the administration forced the shops to close at 10pm throughout the week due to government restrictions, and heavy fines were also imposed in some cases.

He said that because of the situation, salons and shops were unable to meet their utility bills, while families were also struggling to meet their household expenses.