The traders first announce to open markets from today but after meeting with AIG Ghulam Nabi Memon deferred the move for two days.
Earlier, at a jointly-held press conference by various traders’ organizations on Tuesday, the business leaders said even if the federal and provincial government make no announcement, we will open the business in any case, declaring that “We are ready for arrest also.” All City Traders Association President SharjeelGoplani, Sindh Traders Alliance Chairman JamilParacha, Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President RizwanIrfan, All Pakistan Organization of Small Traders and Cottage Industries President Mahmud Hamid, o Association of Traders Sindh President Javed Shams and Sindh Traders Union SaleemMemon and others were present at the occasion.
Goplani said that due to the long lockdown from Karachi to Kashmir due to Coronavirus, shops and markets, shopping plazas and business centers have been closed for 28 days due to the lockdown. “Due to the lockdown, the people of the entire city are being punished and the condition of the workers is worsening.” He said federal and Sindh governments are in conflict are not in compromising mood, whereas, people do not have rations at their homes; shopkeepers, traders and workers are worried and traders have no money to pay workers’ salaries. So, the traders said, “We are forced to announce that we will open shops and businesses from 9am to 5pm on April 15.”
Goplani thanked the Chief Justice of Pakistan for understanding the sufferings of the people of Karachi and Pakistan adding the fact is that if rations do not reach the needy and starving people, the casualties would reach thousands.
The enraged traders demanded that SirajQasimTeli, patron of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), come forward and play a role in this critical moment for small businessmen, like the past.
