Traders resist first day of lockdown in Punjab's different cities

LAHORE (92 News) – Rejecting the Punjab government’s move to impose smart lockdown during Eidul Azha till August 5, Traders in different cities of the province resisted the first day of lockdown and announced to open shops. According to the details garnered, the implementation of the order to close markets and shopping malls in Punjab starts from today. The police have been cracking down on the shops which remain open during this time. Many shopkeepers, however, reopen their shops after the police leave. Four shopkeepers have been detained in Faisalabad for opening their shops in violation of the Punjab government’s smart lockdown. The shopkeepers and traders said that the government is being unfair as Eid time is the busiest for them.

'Traders Protest'

Traders in major cities of Punjab including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Jhang protested against the smart lockdown and vowed to open their shops. Traders in Lahore’s Azam Market also protested against the lockdown which resulted in heated exchange of words between businessmen and police officials. However, local administration urged traders to immediately close their shops.