KARACHI: Traders Reject Lockdown as Pakistan’s leading business representatives strongly oppose a proposal that could reduce commercial activity across the country. The All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran has urged the government to withdraw the idea and consider other ways to control expenses.
All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran President Ajmal Baloch said the business community cannot accept another lockdown. He added that traders already face serious financial pressure due to rising operating costs and difficult market conditions.
Moreover, Baloch warned that any fresh restrictions could create more problems for shopkeepers and small businesses. He said many traders are already struggling to manage electricity bills, fuel costs, rent and other daily expenses.
Therefore, the business community wants the government to avoid measures that could reduce working hours or limit economic activity. Baloch said traders need support and stability, not new restrictions on their businesses.
Meanwhile, Traders Reject Lockdown because business leaders believe the proposed measures could directly affect their income. Baloch warned that traders could take to the streets if the government tried to force them to follow a lockdown plan.
He also said the authorities should not use pressure to implement such measures. According to him, traders would resist any attempt to impose restrictions without proper consultation with the business community.
Furthermore, Baloch called on the government to review its own spending before placing additional pressure on businesses. He specifically highlighted expenses related to free fuel, electricity and gas facilities.
He argued that the government should reduce unnecessary benefits and control public expenditure. In his view, authorities must first introduce strong austerity measures within government departments before asking citizens and businesses to make further sacrifices.
At the same time, traders have rejected the lockdown and warned of possible protests if the government moves forward with the proposal. Baloch said the traders’ body could announce a protest date if officials fail to withdraw the plan.
The debate began after the government reviewed several proposals to reduce fuel use and official travel expenses. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting where officials discussed options to lower national energy consumption.
One proposal reportedly suggested a four-day working week for government and private offices. Under the idea, offices could remain closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to reduce the number of vehicles traveling on roads.
Consequently, supporters of the proposal believe fewer working days could reduce fuel consumption. They also expect lower traffic volumes to help the government control energy expenses during a period of economic pressure.
However, business groups fear that reduced working days could hurt commercial activity. They believe fewer working days may affect sales, customer movement and overall business operations.
For this reason, Traders Reject Lockdown and want the government to explore alternative cost-saving measures. Traders argue officials can reduce government spending without disrupting markets, offices, and normal economic activity.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Senator Musadik Malik has also addressed reports about a possible smart lockdown. He said the government has not decided to move toward such a lockdown at this stage.
Additionally, Malik said the government plans to introduce further austerity measures. He explained that authorities want to reduce official expenses as much as possible while developing a broader energy-saving policy.
He also pointed out that restaurants and wedding halls already follow fixed closing times. These measures aim to control energy consumption without completely shutting down economic activity.
Meanwhile, the government continues to work on the final structure of its energy policy. Malik said officials would share complete details with the public once they finalize the policy.
The discussion has created uncertainty among traders because businesses want clarity before the government introduces any new measures. They fear sudden restrictions could disrupt markets and create financial losses.
Finally, traders reject a lockdown and call for direct consultation between the government and business representatives. The traders’ leadership wants policymakers to protect economic activity, reduce government spending, and avoid decisions that could increase pressure on shopkeepers and small businesses.
The government has yet to announce a final decision on the proposed measures. However, the strong reaction from traders shows that any plan affecting working days or commercial activity could face significant opposition from the business community.
