LAHORE: Leaders and presidents of different wholesale and retail markets have requested the government to review its proposal for closure of businesses at 8:30pm to avert looming energy crisis.

Addressing a press conference held under the aegis of All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran (APAT) at the Lahore Press Club (LPC) on Thursday, the traders said they were already hit hard by ballooning inflation and markets are presenting deserted looks due to scorching heat.

They suggested the government to cut short morning hours and allow markets to function till 10:00pm instead of 8:30pm. They said that a majority of traders would be unable to pay their rents if the government implements its proposal of 8:30pm because there is a very little business in markets in morning hours.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government directed all the deputy commissioners across Punjab to hold consultative meetings with all bodies of traders in their respective districts and convince them on closure of businesses at 8:30pm.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022