Traders Announce Nationwide Protest Over Smart Lockdown

The All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran has announced a nationwide protest on May 14 against forced shop closures and restrictive business timings.

Demand for extended business hours

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, association president Ajmal Baloch demanded:

• Markets are allowed to remain open until 10:00 pm
• Hotels and restaurants are permitted to operate 24 hours
• Immediate withdrawal of the 8:00 pm closure policy

Warning of a strike

Traders warned that if their demands are not accepted, they will stage a countrywide wheel-jam strike on May 14.

Criticism of government policies

Ajmal Baloch said traders, farmers, and industrialists have been under severe pressure for the past four years, adding that:

• Agricultural sectors have suffered heavy losses
• Factories are shutting down daily
• Businesses are struggling under economic stress

He criticised authorities for imposing strict regulations, particularly in Islamabad, and called for a more consultative approach similar to that of the Government of Sindh.

Concerns over taxes and electricity costs

Traders also raised concerns about:

• Alleged harassment in the name of taxation
• High electricity costs, reaching up to Rs160 per unit during peak hours
• “Administrative pressure” affecting business operations

Call for relief

The business community urged the government to revise policies, extend working hours, and provide relief to prevent further economic damage.