Traders vow to resist early closure of markets

Author: By Razi Syed

KARACHI: The traders’ associations have announced to resist the decision of Sindh government to close down shopping centers, shops, and wedding halls by 7pm and 10pm, respectively.

A meeting of traders and other stakeholders in this regard would be held today (Saturday) to formulate future line of action against the decision.

The provincial government has decided to impose penalty on the violators of this decision. All Karachi Tajir Ittehad President Attique Mir said “We have a right to resist this step of Sindh government which is against the trade norms and a unilateral decision.”

Humayun Ahmad Mani, a senior member of Karachi Jewellery Association, said “Our sector opens shops after 2 or 3pm as most of our buyers visit us after office hours, so it is impossible to switch over to new timings.”

A member of Car Dealers Association, Zeeshan Ali Khan, said that they would also resist the decision as more than 70 percent of deals are matured in the evening and usually they close their businesses by 8pm.

Talking to Daily Times, President Jodia Bazaar Association Jaffer Kodia said “It is mere an eyewash attempt. Several such attempts have been made in the past as well.”

He said this decision, if implemented, would cost little to the merchandise sector as trade activity is mostly closed down by around 7-8pm.

It is to be noted that Karachi’s trade centers usually start their economic activity from the middle of the day as buyers usually come in the evening.