The traders and businessmen are also against the federal government’s decision and favour the stance of the provincial government. Pervez Rashid said the provincial government had opposed the decision from the beginning but had agreed in the end to implement it. He said the government had asked the Centre not to extend the five-day working week scheme “in the nation’s interest”.
The federal government on Tuesday announced to extend the policy till September 30, 2010. The business community in Lahore also reacted negatively to the federal government’s decision, saying that five-day working week had caused them problems. “We face a lot of problems due to banks being closed on Saturdays and were hoping that the problem will end by July 31,” said the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) president. Zafar Iqbal also criticised the federal government. He said such decisions play havoc with businesses. “The working hours have reduced due to the early closure of shops. A five-day week is not acceptable,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2010.
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