Traders in different markets and shopping centeres of the city attempted to open shops by rejecting government’s decision to impose smart lockdown till August 5. The police, however, sprang into action and arrested several traders and shopkeepers.
Various traders associations have protested against the smart lockdown strategy to curb the coronavirus in Lahore and threatened to defy the government decision.
In Lahore’s Azam Market, traders staged demonstration against the lockdown which resulted in heated exchange of words between businessmen and police officials.
However, upon the interference of local administration they agree to close their shops.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has termed the government decision uncalled-for and urged the government to review the decision. The LCCI president was of the view that traders, especially the small businessmen have already been grappling with multifarious problems and further lockdown will forced their families to starvation.
He pointed out that trading community has contributed a lot to the government efforts to control coronavirus, even at the cost of their business.
He stressed the government to take back lockdown decision and increase market timing to facilitate both traders and masses ahead of Eidul Azha.
Some traders announced opening businesses, arguing that out of all four provinces only government of Punjab has imposed lockdown ahead of Eidul Azha.
The traders, however, rejected the lockdown and expressed the resolve to not to bear any further loss in their business. They said that imprudent policies have already dealt a blow to business and closure of shops at this crucial juncture will force them and their families to starvation.
On the other hand, traders remained busy doing business ‘clandestinely’ in Anaarkali, Shah Alam, Circular Road area and Rang Mehal Jewelry Market. Though they kept their shops locked, they placed merchandise and employees on footpaths in front of shops to carrying out business. However, police removed them from footpaths and also arrested some traders who put up resistance.
All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran General Secretary Naeem Mir demanded the Punjab government to review its decision.
He said the small traders could no more afford business closure, which will ultimately lead to collapse of economy. Mr Mir said that they will never attempt to defy closure order but the government should itself allow business to open.
Earlier, Punjab government has imposed smart lockdown in the province to contain the spread of coronavirus for nine days during EidulAzha holidays till August 5.
