Restrictions and power issues cripple businesses and threaten livelihoods
RAWALPINDI:
The Central Traders Association Rawalpindi Cantonment has demanded immediate and complete lifting of the current smart lockdown, calling on the government to allow markets, restaurants and all other businesses to operate without restrictions and provide traders with a safe and supportive environment to conduct their businesses.
According to details, an emergency meeting of the association was held under the chairmanship of President Mirza Muneer Baig, group chief Sheikh Hafeez and general secretary Muhammad Zafar Qadri. Representatives of all trade organizations of Rawalpindi Cantonment were present in large numbers. After extensive deliberations on the current situation, the participants unanimously urged the government to announce an immediate end to the smart lockdown.
Traders said the 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 challenges faced by the hospitality sector, noting that limited opening hours and lockdown measures have almost paralyzed the sector, affecting not only business owners but also the livelihoods of thousands of employees. Participants stressed that immediate aid for this sector is essential.
Serious concerns have also been raised over rising oil prices and rising operational costs, which have fueled inflation and significantly reduced the public’s purchasing power, making essential goods increasingly unaffordable.
Additionally, traders have expressed strong reservations over unannounced load shedding, high electricity tariffs and excessive utility bills. They said that under current conditions it has become impossible for the business world to bear such high energy costs. The meeting urged the government to immediately reduce unit electricity tariffs to provide significant relief and help support commercial activity.
The business leaders stressed that the business community has always supported the government in difficult times, prioritizing national interest, dignity and respect for state institutions. However, they warned that the situation had now become unbearable. They reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights of traders and maintaining continued engagement with authorities to resolve pressing issues.
The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to the government to provide maximum convenience to traders, immediately lift the smart lockdown, allow uninterrupted business operations and ensure that traders can work without fear and undue interference.
Participants also condemned unwarranted harassment and unnecessary interventions by various government ministries, urging authorities to end such practices. They stressed that traders constitute the backbone of the economy and failure to support them could further worsen the country’s economic situation.
