Rawalpindi [Pakistan] April 29 (ANI): The Central Traders Association Rawalpindi Cantonment has called for the immediate removal of the ongoing “smart” lockdown, urging authorities to restore normal business operations and create a supportive environment for commercial activity, The Express Tribune reports.
The “smart lockdown” forms part of austerity measures adopted amid a fuel crisis prompted by the conflict in West Asia. At an emergency meeting chaired by President Mirza Muneer Baig, with Group Leader Sheikh Hafeez and General Secretary Muhammad Zafar Qadri, representatives from multiple trader bodies assessed the worsening situation and unanimously pressed the government to end restrictions without delay, saying prolonged limits have severely undermined regional economic stability.
Traders said heightened security measures, including checkpoints and movement restrictions across Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the past two weeks, have significantly disrupted daily business and pushed small and medium enterprises toward collapse. The hospitality sector has been particularly hard hit, with reduced hours and restrictions nearly halting activity and jeopardising thousands of livelihoods. Business leaders also criticised sharp rises in petroleum prices and operational costs, which have fueled inflation and weakened consumer purchasing power, making essential goods increasingly unaffordable.
The association expressed frustration over unannounced power outages, soaring electricity tariffs and inflated utility bills, demanding an immediate reduction in electricity rates to ease financial pressure and revive activity. While reaffirming past support for the government during national crises, trader representatives warned current conditions are unsustainable. They pledged continued engagement with authorities but insisted on urgent intervention to prevent further economic decline, appealing for an end to unnecessary interference by government departments, uninterrupted business operations and meaningful relief. Traders cautioned that neglecting the business community could deepen the country’s economic challenges and further destabilise fragile markets. (ANI)
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