They say energy restrictions and problems are crippling businesses and threatening livelihoods.
RAWALPINDI:
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Central Traders Association has demanded immediate and complete lifting of the current smart lockdown, asking the government to allow markets, restaurants and all other businesses to operate without restrictions and to provide traders with a safe and conducive environment to conduct their activities.
According to details, an emergency meeting of the association was held under the chairmanship of President Mirza Muneer Baig, group leader Sheikh Hafeez and general secretary Muhammad Zafar Qadri. Representatives of all trader organizations of Rawalpindi Cantonment attended in large numbers. After detailed deliberations on the current situation, participants unanimously urged the government to announce an immediate end to smart lockdown.
Traders claimed that the checkpoints and restrictions in place in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the last 15 days, imposed in the name of security, have severely disrupted business activities, pushing many traders to the brink. The meeting focused especially on the difficulties facing the hotel and restaurant sector, noting that limited operating hours and lockdown measures have almost paralyzed the industry, affecting not only business owners but also the livelihoods of thousands of employees. Participants stressed that immediate help for this sector is essential.
Serious concern was also expressed about rising oil prices and rising operating costs, which have fueled inflation and significantly reduced the purchasing power of the public, making essential goods increasingly unaffordable.
Additionally, traders 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 community to bear such high energy costs. The meeting urged the government to immediately reduce unit electricity rates to provide significant relief and help sustain business activity.
The business leaders emphasized that the business community has always supported the government in difficult times, prioritizing the national interest, dignity and respect for state institutions. However, they warned that the situation has now become unbearable. They reaffirmed their commitment to defend the rights of traders and maintain continued engagement with authorities to resolve urgent issues.
The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to the government to provide maximum facilitation to traders, immediately lift the smart lockdown, allow uninterrupted business operations and ensure that traders can work without fear or undue interference.
Participants also condemned unwarranted harassment and unnecessary intervention by various government departments, and urged authorities to put an end to such practices. They stressed that traders are the backbone of the economy and not supporting them could further worsen the country’s economic situation.
