Let’s say that restrictions and power problems paralyze businesses and threaten their livelihoods
RAWALPINDI:
The Central Traders Association Rawalpindi Cantonment has demanded an immediate and complete lifting of the current smart lockdown and urges the government to allow markets, restaurants and all other businesses to operate without restrictions and to provide traders with a safe and enabling environment to conduct their activities.
According to the details, an emergency meeting was held in the association under the chairmanship of president Mirza Muneer Baig, group leader Sheikh Hafeez and general secretary Muhammad Zafar Qadri. Representatives of all business organizations in Rawalpindi Cantonment participated in large numbers. After detailed deliberations on the prevailing situation, the participants unanimously urged the government to announce an immediate end to the smart lockdown.
Traders stated that ongoing checkpoints and restrictions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the past 15 days, imposed in the name of security, have severely disrupted business activities, pushing many traders to the brink. The meeting particularly focused on the difficulties faced by the hotel and restaurant sector, noting that limited opening hours and lockdown measures have almost paralyzed the industry, affecting not only business owners but also the livelihoods of thousands of employees. Participants emphasized that immediate relief for this sector is essential.
Serious concerns were also expressed over the rise in oil prices and rising operating costs, which have fueled inflation and significantly reduced the public’s purchasing power, making essential goods increasingly unaffordable.
Additionally, traders expressed strong reservations about unannounced load shedding, high electricity tariffs and excessive utility bills. They said that under the current conditions, it has become impossible for business to bear such high energy costs. The meeting called on the government to immediately reduce electricity prices per entity to provide meaningful relief and help sustain business activity.
Business leaders emphasized that business has always supported the government in difficult times, prioritizing national interest, dignity and respect for state institutions. However, they warned that the situation has now become unbearable. They reaffirmed their commitment to advocate for traders’ rights and maintain continuous cooperation with the authorities to resolve pressing issues.
The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to the government to provide maximum relief to traders, immediately lift the smart lockdown, allow uninterrupted business operations and ensure traders can work without fear or undue interference.
The participants also condemned unjustified harassment and unnecessary interference by various government departments and called on the authorities to put an end to such practices. They emphasized that traders are the backbone of the economy and failure to support them can further worsen the country’s economic situation.
