Faizabad traders protest repeated closure of businesses

Traders in Faizabad, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, on Friday protested against measures to shut down business activities in the area, saying repeated closures were causing serious financial losses, 24NewsHD TV reported.

The traders said hotels had also been closed on September 20, while they were allowed to resume business for only one day on September 22.

They complained that Faizabad was repeatedly closed whenever there were matches or protests, leaving traders and other businesses to bear the financial impact.

According to the traders, prolonged closures have made it difficult for shop and hotel owners to pay rents, utility bills and employees’ salaries.

They described the repeated shutdowns as a serious blow to their livelihoods.

“Why are traders being punished in the name of stopping protests?” they asked, urging the authorities to avoid unnecessary disruption of commercial activities.

The administrative measures have also affected passengers, hotel and restaurant owners, and other businesses operating in the area.

Later, shops and restaurants were allowed to reopen, but hotels remained closed, according to the traders.