The All Punjab Marriage Halls, Catering Service, Restaurant Associations, Flower Decorations and Chicken Suppliers have taken to the streets for resuming business activities before September 1.

More than three dozen people associated with the business of marriage hall, restaurant, catering, floral decoration and chicken supply took to the Lahore Press Club on Monday and marched to The Mall where they staged a sit-in.

The protesters said the government should take steps to save the jobs of people associated with these industries as, according to them, eight million people were deprived of jobs in just four months.

They demanded the government take steps to revive these businesses to save the livelihoods of the workers.

Provincial minister Aslam Iqbal held talks with the protesters and assured them of addressing their concerns in a couple of days. The demonstrators dispersed and announced putting off the protest for two days.

According to the President of all Punjab Marriage Hall and Hotel Association Khalid Addrees Bhatti said they wanted the businesses resumed before September 1 –  the date the government announced for reopening halls and restaurants.

He said outdoor catering has been allowed while the SOPs will be set reopen marriage halls and restaurants in two-days meeting with Aslam Iqbal.