SWABI: The traders of the Link Road Bazaar here on Wednesday observed a shutter down strike against the killing of two brothers three days ago.

Zulfiqar Ali and Tahir Ali were killed on a trivial issue in the bazaar.

The protesting traders demanded adequate security so they could continue their business activities without any fear. They also demanded action against those who wanted to create disturbance in the bazaar.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Ali, president of Swabi city traders’ association, demanded of the police and the district administration to curb the violent incidents that had vitiated the security situation in the trading hub.

Liaq Khan, president of Ajuman-i-Markazi Tajiran, said peace was prerequisite for smooth running of business activities. He said the police and business community of the Link Road Bazaar should put their heads together to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

The Link Road traders said they were ready to extend cooperation to the law enforcement agencies to ensure peaceful environment in the region.

ARREST: The police on Wednesday released photos of the people, who had set on fire the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway’s Swabi Interchange two toll plaza during a protest following arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, as the number of the arrested leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf reached 100.

However, none of the senior party leaders are among those arrested, including former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, former provincial minister Shahram Khan Tarakai, former adviser Abdul Karim and former MPAs.

Also on Wednesday, the police arrested two smugglers and recovered about 4 kilogrammes of hashish and of 35 grams of ice drug concealed underneath the seat of the motorcycle they were riding.

He identified the smugglers as Abdul Shakoor and his brother, Sudais Khan, residents of Gohati area.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2023