Traders in Rawalpindi have rescheduled their planned protest on Murree Road from February 16 to February 17 and urged the district administration to restrain officials of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulation Authority from what they described as harassment of shopkeepers.
The Rawalpindi Central Traders Association announced the protest against the prices of essential items set by the District Price Committee, as well as the sealing of shops, issuance of challans, and the alleged rude behavior of enforcement teams.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Rawalpindi Press Club, association president Shahid Ghafur Paracha said rising inflation, electricity and gas tariffs, and what he called unrealistic price control measures had severely affected business activity. He maintained that although traders had representation in the District Price Control Committee, the official rate lists did not reflect actual market conditions.
Mohammad Farooq Chaudhry, president of the Rawalpindi Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets and Bakers Association, said traders wanted to offer affordable items during Ramadan but current costs and fixed rates made it difficult.
Traders demanded a transparent challan system, an end to unnecessary taxation, and a more business-friendly environment. They warned that they would expand the protest if authorities failed to address their concerns.