PESHAWAR: The traders here on Monday assured the district administration of cooperation in its campaign for vaccination, removal of encroachments and discouraging profiteers.

In a meeting at Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Khalid Mahmood asked the business community to play its role effectively in vaccination to protect people from Covid-19, according to a statement.

The participants of the meeting decided to devise a joint mechanism ensure vaccination of traders. SCCI president Sherbaz Bilour said that coordination between the chamber and district administration should be further strengthened.

He said that administration should designate a focal person to take immediate action for resolution of various issues of business community.

He urged the government to end the lockdown and allow business activities round the clock in Peshawar.

Mr Bilour assured the administration of traders’ support in removal of encroachments.

He said that traders would cooperate with district administration in the ongoing vaccination drive.

The deputy commissioner said that revival of business activities was essential to boost the national economy. He urged the traders to get vaccinated to avoid the fourth wave of coronavirus.

He said that vaccination would also lead to revive business activities across in the province. He said that 50 vaccination centres were established in Peshawar.

However, the official said that despite lapse of three months, the ratio of vaccination among people was low in Peshawar as compared to other districts.

He said that vaccination of all people was essential to prevent the fourth wave of the pandemic.

While talking about the price control committee, the deputy commissioner sought cooperation of traders to take action against the people involved in adulteration and hoarding and to ensure provision of hygienic food to people in the provincial metropolis.

Earlier, Haji Mohammad Afzal, Faud Ishaq, Mohammad Aurangzeb, Zahoor Khan, Ihsanullah, Ghulam Bilal Javed also spoke on the occasion and conveyed to the deputy commissioner the reservations of the business community over Covid-19 lockdown and other rules and policies.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2021