Traders Announce Nationwide Protest Against ‘Forced Lockdown’ Ahead of Eid

QUETTA: Traders in Pakistan have announced a nationwide protest campaign against the ongoing “forced lockdown,” claiming that business activities have been severely affected just days before Eid-ul-Adha.

Speaking to the media, Kashif Haideri, member of the Central Committee of the Central Organization of Traders Pakistan and central spokesperson for بلوچستان, said that protest activities would begin across the country on Monday, May 11.

According to him, traders will hold press conferences and demonstrations outside press clubs in different cities on Monday, while large-scale protests will be organized in markets and bazaars on Tuesday, May 12.

Haideri said that the days before Eid are crucial for traders, as many shopkeepers try to recover their yearly losses during the festive shopping season. However, he added that the current lockdown has created uncertainty in markets and badly damaged business activities.

He said small shopkeepers, daily wage earners, and traders from different sectors are facing serious financial difficulties, while the country’s economy is also suffering from stagnation.

The traders’ leader further stated that the business community is already burdened by heavy taxes, FBR notices, and rising electricity and gas expenses, and the lockdown has added to their problems.

He urged the government to immediately end the lockdown, address traders’ concerns, and restore normal business activities. He warned that if the situation continues, the protest movement would be expanded further, and the authorities would be held responsible.