SCCI terms decision to close grocery shops at 4 pm as economic genocide of traders

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (SCCI) termed the provincial’s government decision to close grocery stores and shops at 4 PM as an economic genocide of traders and curb on sale of faithful. He asked the authorities concerned to fix timings for opening of markets and shops in consultation with traders’ community in order to avoid further financial losses to coronavirus hit traders.

While chairing a meeting here at the chamber house on Monday, SCCI chief said the decision to close shops at 4 pm has multiplied miseries of corona lockdown hit traders, which is completely unjust and unfair step. He added the move couldn’t acceptable to them.

He urged the government and authorities concerned to implement decisions and policies by making proper consultation with the chamber, traders’ bodies and associations so that can prevent any confrontation between local administration and traders and enforce orders with letter and spirit. Former president FPCCI, Ghazanfar Bilour, SCCI Senior Vice President Shahid Hussain and Vice president Abdul Jalil Jan, former presidents of the chamber, Riaz Arshad, Haji Mohammad Afzal, Adeel Rauf, Anjuman e Tajaran Peshawar Chairman, Shaukat Ali Khan were present in the meeting.

The Chamber president the traders could no longer afford any lockdowns, adding that instead of closing the shops earlier, the government should open businesses in a phased manner with very strict SOPs to contain coronavirus.

Maqsood Pervaiz asked that the provincial government take measures to give relief instead of further add to the difficulties of the business community, which was already striving hard to withstand the ongoing crisis. He said the government decision to close shop at 4 PM had also created disappointment among the faithful as the buyers usually opt to go markets after 4 PM.

He said the government had issued notification for opening of CNG stations around the clock. However, he said the district administration unnecessary using authority and forcibly closed down CNG stations, which was violation of the government orders. He asked to implement the relevant notification with letter and spirit.