PESHAWAR: Traders opened their shops in different areas here on Saturday despite the government’s decision that shops would remain closed on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday except those already identified as essential ones.

It was observed that traders and hairdressers had opened their shops at the University Road, Bara Road and in many areas of city, including Qissa Khwani, and a large number of people were seen at these outlets. However, shops in Peshawar Saddar remained closed.

“We are not ready to accept the provincial government’s decision regarding closure of shops for three days a week,” Tajir Itehad Peshawar cantonment president Mujeebur Rehman told Dawn.

He said the federal government had let the shops to remain open for five days a week till 5pm, but the provincial government allowed them to operate for four days till 4pm.

He said the Peshawar traders were ready to follow the SOPs, but they would keep their shops open on Fridays also till 5pm.

Markazi Tanzeem-i-Tajiran provincial president Malik Meher Ilahi said that traders had opened shops in some areas, but the police asked them to follow the government decision. “We will open our shops from Monday (tomorrow),” he said.

He suggested the government should adopt similar policy in all provinces to keep businesses open for five days till 5pm so that the traders could earn livelihood for their families. He said Eid was drawing nearer and the citizens were in need to buy essential items.

“The coronavirus has played havoc with the business activities, but the government is unwilling to announce financial relief package for our community,” he lamented. He said the provincial government had assured the traders’ bodies to support shopkeepers, but it did not keep its commitment.

Mehr Elahi asked the traders to follow the SOPs and ensure social distancing to stay safe.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2020