BAJAUR: The district administration on Monday banned holding of protest demonstrations and political rallies in bazaars and trade centres, and warned to take strict action against the violators.

A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of senior officials, tribal elders and representatives of trade associations held here. Deputy commissioner Mohammad Anwarul Haq was in the chair, according to a statement.

The trade leaders and elders expressed concern over the holding of public gatherings and rallies in the bazaars, which severely affected the business activities.

They said such gatherings were being frequently held during the past couple of months, leading to shutting down of markets.

The participants said such rallies should be held in open places instead of bazaars and trade centres. However, they regretted that the local leadership of political parties had opted to hold gatherings in the bazaars without getting permission from the district administration.

They requested the district administration to ban the holding of processions in the bazaars with immediate effect in order to ensure smooth business activities.

Mr Haq described the concerns of the traders genuine, and said there would be no such gatherings without the district administration’s permission. It was also decided that getting prior permission from the district administration would be obligatory for holding any kind of public gathering in the district.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2023