Pakistan

Traders refuse to close shop

Agha Hamza/express April 23, 2010

KARACHI: Traders refused to close their businesses at 8pm in Karachi and Lahore on Friday evening and demanded that the government should extend the time to 10pm.

Retailers and traders were given warnings to close shop by the police but no arrests were made. Traders said that owing to hot weather their peak hours start around 6-7pm and closing their businesses at 8pm would destroy their livelihood.

The heads of various trader associations said they will not follow the orders of the government and requested a revision of the imposed time of closure.

Earlier, Lahore DCO Sajjad Bhutta had ordered action against traders if found violating the government orders of market closure by 8pm.

During a meeting between the traders and the district government today traders rejected the proposal saying businesses are already suffering losses. Supporting their stance MPAs suggested the district government to give a time limit for the implementation of the closure.

Meanwhile a traders's group belonging to PML-N has accepted the government proposal.

COMMENTS (6)

Muhammad Navid A Soomro | 13 years ago | Reply Dear All Fellows, Every body thinks and got experience according to work. it not a easy to understand all rountine workers problems who are work in double shift in different sectors, some students work in shop part time... it means government will also un-employeement increasing........ because of some stupids Ideas, be beggar from China about electricity.. shame to be Pakistan loosers.. Spirits, Honesty, every is finished Cloths, Foods, Vegetables, everything is very expensive how afford people these condition about 8 pm closing shops.... Just Think how's possible suicides and everything will increase families walk and picnic all and every things will close... after effects of this stupid decision. I will say that I am Naveed & I am Not such type Pakistani

SHAHID ALI | 14 years ago | Reply I am totally disagree with sayed matten and omar qader. it is not the mater of shutting down the shops or challanging the govt writ. it is the matter of negligence of govt which did not give attention and did not keep in mind the need of energy. Electricity, now a days the main factor or circulation system of our life. it is effecting all aspect of our life i leave the names on you, think and count, from slum dogs to even president and prime minister of pakistan. instead high rank people are living galaxies but there reputation is on the track of destruction. it is going to be a revolution like creation of pakistan inshallah. the day is coming. all will see, all will see, .....

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Faiza Mateen | 14 years ago | Reply I agree with SYED.A.MATEEN & OMAR QADAR. If the traders are not following the rules and they should be fined as well.And next time they do they put them behind the bars. It is also the duty of the citizens of Karachi and Lahore that they should stop shopping after 8pm. When the traders are going to have their loss they will definately follow the rules and regulations.The ever best thing is fining them, and again they do it punish them ,infact here i would like to say there should be a law in the consitution regarding violating any sort of law put them behind the bars. Not every one can afford a LAWYER. And they should again be punished if the try to bribe the police or any lawenforcing department/agency!

Omar Qadir | 14 years ago | Reply It's not only the duty of traders to shut their businesses at the proposed hours but also responsibility of public to avoid shopping in late hours. Decision is fair and could be implemented however government should work to take everyone in confidence. If traders are demanding little relaxation then they must be provided. Not because they have the edge over others but because it's not easy to mend the ways in the click of a finger. It's the duty of government to announce policies before hand with enough time for all stake holders to think and adopt them. Democracy is the name of democratic system: will of people.

Nadir El Edroos | 14 years ago | Reply The government cant enforce the law across wide parts of the country. What hope do they have in enforcing the 8 pm shut down laws. On the other hands these same traders groups which lead protests for the repatriation of Afia Sidique, anti-America, anti-India demos, and claim that they are willing to give up their lives for their country, cant even follow the law!

Syed A. Mateen | 14 years ago | Reply Traders are challenging the writ of the government. It will be government’s weakness if the shops are not closed at 8pm dot. Why should people living in Katchi Abadis and pigeon-hole type apartments should suffer the load-shedding when traders can open their shops at 9am in the morning and shut down at 8pm. Those who violate the law should be heavily fined for the first time. On repeated violations, the traders should be put behind the bars. The orders of the government should be implemented in letter and sprit. There should be no concession given to the traders in closing the shops, as people who live in the darkness and without electricity are also human beings. Every human being is equal. No one has an edge on the other person. Traders must close their shops by 8pm by all means; otherwise they should be prepared to face the music.

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