Early market closure: Traders on their own

IHC dismisses petition challenging forceful closure.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday dismissed a petition challenging the government’s order to close markets and shops in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Punjab by 8pm after the ICT deputy commissioner produced the official notification before the court. 

When the case was taken up, acting deputy commissioner Captain (retired) Mushtaq Ahmed produced the notification.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui decided the matter as ‘dismissed as withdrawn’ after the petition was withdrawn. The petition was filed by Al-Safa Golden Company, the parent company of Safa Gold Mall in F-7 Markaz.

The notification was issued on Monday after the court asked the deputy commissioner to produce the order [on Tuesday].

The notification says the cabinet had made the decision on early market closure on April 8, 2015 under the West Pakistan Shops and Establishment Ordinance 1969. The notification also said that the administration will take action against violators.

Traders claimed over 50 shop owners and staffers have  been arrested by the police in various incidents so far.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2015.