Relaxation in lockdown: Traders of twin cities demand equal treatment for all sectors

Traders associations of the twin cities, while expressing serious concern over the government's decision of relaxing lockdown for some industries and extending for others, announced to keep the lockdown till April 30 with reservations.

Talking to Business Recorder, Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan (MTTP) President Muhammad Kashif termed the government decision as a reflection of "non-serious attitude".

"If lockdown was necessary to stop the coronavirus, then the government should impose complete lockdown by taking the business organisations into confidence, so that the nation could be saved from the virus," said Kashif, adding that if the lockdown was not the solution, then the government should allow all industries and not a specific one to resume operations.

He further said that the MTTP was representing all traders' associations from Khyber to Karachi, and takes all decisions in consultations with each other. "It has been agreed to continue lockdown till April 30, with heavy hearts as the businessmen do not want confrontation with the government," he added. Kashif said that if the country's economic mismanagement spread in the country, it would be the responsibility of the government as no strategy had been set up yet.

"The government has yet to seriously consider the suggestions sent to the prime minister of Pakistan and the federal ministers to save and restore daily wage workers, businessmen, small traders, trade, and commerce," he said.

Kashif said that the government announced the opening of the construction sector, but had not done anything about opening shops related to this sector. Construction would not be possible without opening shops belonging to the sector.

The government decided to open paper, glass and many other industries, but where the finished goods of these factories would go, when the markets would remain closed, he asked.

Kashif said the government should waive off three months bills of gas, electricity and telephone for shopkeepers affected by the lockdown.

He further demanded of the government to allow interest-free loans to shopkeepers and small businessmen.

Ajmal Baloch, president of All Pakistan Association of Traders and Traders Action Committee, Islamabad, said that the business community fully supported the government in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

It is understood that if precautionary measures are not adopted, problems may increase.

However, the government should finalise the SOPs for comprehensive precautionary measures to be adopted by traders to restart their business activities.

A meeting of traders was held in the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) where the participants expressed concerns on government's announcement of partial lockdown.