Traders demand end to smart lockdown

RAWALPINDI: The Central Traders Association Rawalpindi Cantonment has called for an urgent removal of the ongoing smart lockdown, insisting on the need for the government to enable markets, eateries, and all other business organizations to operate freely and safely.

As per details, a special meeting was held of the association under the presidentship of Mirza Muneer Baig, general secretary Muhammad Zafar Qadri, and group leader Sheikh Hafeez. All traders’ associations based in Rawalpindi Cantonment were present in large numbers.

After extensive consultations regarding the existing scenario, all participants have asked the government to declare an immediate end to the smart lockdown.

Traders highlighted the disruption caused by ongoing checkpoints and restrictions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the last 15 days in the name of security arrangements.

They have added that the business community has been adversely affected by such arrangements, bringing many traders to the brink of closure.

In particular, special attention was paid to the plight of the hotel and restaurant industry, which has been paralyzed by limited operating hours and a smart lockdown in place for the last few weeks.

Serious concern was also expressed over the increase in petroleum prices and rising operational costs, which have fuelled inflation and significantly reduced the purchasing power of the public, making essential goods increasingly unaffordable.

Additionally, traders voiced strong reservations about unannounced load shedding, high electricity tariffs, and excessive utility bills. They said that under current conditions, it has become impossible for the business community to bear such high energy costs.

The meeting urged the government to immediately reduce per-unit electricity rates to provide meaningful relief and help sustain business activity.