HARIPUR: Local traders on Saturday announced not to pay any heed to the countrywide strike call given by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) for Monday.

In a press release, Young Tajir Group’s leader Malik Wajahat Mehbood Awan said the traders would not become part of the protest and would keep their businesses open on Monday.

“We announce our boycott of the shutter down call,” he said, adding the local traders were already affected by the economic meltdown in the country and closure of businesses would add to their agony.

He suggested to the TLP leadership to exhibit political power using some other method rather than exposing the traders to further economic hardship.

Asking the fellow traders not to respond to any such call and keep their shops open, Mr Awan made it clear the traders’ body would protect the traders’ rights with the help of local administration, which was bound to ensure security of the city’s business community.

He urged the administration to take effective measures for providing security to traders.

The TLP has announced a nationwide shutter down strike against the recent increase in prices of petroleum products.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2023