ISLAMABAD: Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran (APAT), has firmly rejected the government’s directive to close markets early, declaring that traders nationwide will not comply with shutting shops before 10pm. He appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revisit the decision, warning it would impose severe hardships on Pakistan’s business community.
Baloch described the proposed 8pm closing time as both impractical and unacceptable. He highlighted that traders already bear the cost of purchasing electricity at peak rates between 6pm and 10pm, and forcing closures during these hours would exacerbate their financial burdens. Emphasizing the critical role traders play in supporting Pakistan’s energy consumption and economic stability, he urged authorities to reconsider the policy.
In a notable development, Baloch mentioned that the provincial governments of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have shown willingness to address traders’ concerns. He called on the federal government, along with the administrations of Punjab and Balochistan, to also withdraw the early closure mandate.
He warned that limiting business hours would cause overcrowding within the shortened timeframe, complicating customer management and potentially increasing health risks. Baloch argued that austerity should not be enforced by shutting down businesses but rather through reducing government expenditures and adopting simpler governance measures.
Pointing to the fragile economic environment, he cited the massive losses faced by state enterprises such as Pakistan Steel Mills, Pakistan International Airlines, and Pakistan Railways. He urged the commerce and energy ministers to promptly engage in dialogue with the business community, stressing the importance of communication. “If countries like the US and Iran can negotiate, why can’t the government hold talks with traders?” he questioned.
In conclusion, Baloch cautioned that any harsh enforcement against traders might trigger a nationwide protest movement, underscoring the urgency of resolving the issue through negotiation rather than confrontation.
