APROPOS the news in the Metro section regarding non-compliance of closing business by 8:00pm by the traders of Islamabad and Rawalpindi (April 13 and 14), the law has been there for a long time; it is just that society has become defiant so as not to follow any rules or laws. It is the duty of the executive branch to ensure that the people observe the laws.

The traders are a selfish lot. The prices of petrol were reduced, as was the exchange rate of the dollar. The traders have not bothered to adjust prices accordingly.

All categories of edibles are imported after one year from the date of production.

Shops in most developed countries shut down after 6pm. In our country, business centres start their day after 11:00am. In certain countries, streets lights on main roads are switched off after 10pm.

The solution is that customers should stop shopping after sunset. On Saturdays, shops may be allowed to remain open up to 10pm.

The traders are not doing any favour to customers by keeping their shops open till late hours. In fact, they are creating problems for everyone.

M. K. Sufi

Islamabad Citizens Committee

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play