LAHORE, Feb 28: Traders have assured the district nazim that they will protect their platform from being used for the agenda of any political party and take a decision about participation in the March 3 strike independently.

An assurance to this effect was given to nazim Mian Amer by Anjuman Tajran Pakistan president Haji Maqsood Butt and Qaumi Tajar Ittehad president Khwaja Azhar Gulshan in their meetings with him here on Tuesday.

The nazim said exploitation of blasphemous cartoons for political mileage was despicable and shameful. He said a protest must be lodged against the publication of cartoons, but the issue should not be given a political turn. Causing damage to public and private property on the pretext of a protest against blasphemy was against the teachings of Islam, he said.

He said the government had closed down its embassy in Denmark and the Norwegian government had regretted the publication of cartoons. He said Danish products must be boycotted, but there was no justification for causing a damage to property.

He urged the traders to take a decision about participation in the strike independently. They should not be exploited politically. He said the organisers of Feb 14 protest had given a written assurance in respect of remaining peaceful, but they had failed to honour their commitment.

Azhar Gulshan said the business community was ready to lay down their lives and worldly belongings for the dignity and honour of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), but they would not suspend their business for the completion of any political agenda.

He said the Qaumi Tajar Ittehad’s central executive committee would meet on Wednesday and decide about participation in the strike called by the opposition on March 3.

Maqsood Butt said the traders never resorted to violence.

Anarkali Anjuman-i-Tajran president Ashraf Bhatti said no trader would go on strike against the government.

Badami Bagh Automarket Association president Mian Mohammad Yousaf said the traders supported the business-friendly policies of the government.