The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Jameet-e-Islamihave backed the traders’ demand to reopen businesses in Sindh. MQM-P Deputy Convener Khalid MaqboolSiddiquihas said his party fully supports all demands by traders. He demanded the Centre and the Sindh government immediately second their demands. The statement came after a meeting between traders and MQM-P leaders in Karachi. The MQM-P convener said his party would not do politics on the issue of coronavirus pandemic. He, however, vowed to stand by the trade fraternity for the resolution of their issues. Siddiqui also demanded the government reduce the power tariff in accordance with the drop in oil prices. “K-Electric’s bullying would not be tolerated,” he said. “It must mend its ways.” Talking to a traders delegation that visited the party headquarters in Bahadurabad today, the MQM-P Convener Khalid MaqboolSiddiqui said that the traders should provide them with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and get themselves prepare to resume their businesses. “Lockdown game is now over,” he said adding that the city now has to resume its business. He said that revival of trade activities in the city was necessary to run national economy smoothly. Speaking on the occasion, the trader’s leader Atiq Mir said that they would now open their business without caring for any rules. “We have to earn money to feed our children,” he said. Meanwhile, the JI announced that it was launching a campaign to get businesses in Sindh reopened. The JI will hold a demonstration along with the trade fraternity at the Five Star Chowrangi at 3pm on Tuesday, said its Karachi chapter leader NaeemurRehman. He demanded the centre and the Sindh government adopt a clear policy towards restoration of business activities, instead of playing the blame game. “The Sindh government must announce reopening of businesses in Karachi from Tuesday,” Rehman said. “If businesses were not reopened, then the protest campaign would be initiated.” Mehmood Hamid, a representative of the trade fraternity, thanked JI for adopting a clear approach in this regard. He urged the Sindh government not to humiliate businesspersons and demanded an end to the arrests of traders.