KP health and finance minister Taimur Khan Jhagra thanked traders in the province for working with the government during this difficult time, adding that the country could not afford any unrest at the moment.

In a tweet, he said: "Had a marathon session with representatives of KP traders at the secretariat. It was important to listen to them at length because we feel their pain. Everyone in the country and most of the world is going through a difficult time as never experienced before in our lives.

"Rest assured that we will find a way for your businesses to run. It is a priority. But let us take considered risks and not take decisions with unintended consequences," he said.