KHAR: Frequent protests and rallies by the political and religious parties have irked the business community in Bajaur Agency.

Talking to this scribe, a number of shopkeepers and vendors said here on Thursday that the recent demonstrations and rallies for and against implementation of Fata reforms by the workers of political and religious parties had badly disturbed their business.

Haq Nawaz, who runs a medicines store in the main chowk in Khar Bazaar, said that the recent increase in rallies by different political parties inside the commercial areas caused serious troubles to the business community. He said that shops in Khar Bazaar, especially those located in the main chowk, remained shut for several hours whenever there was a protest or political gathering.

He said that the bazaar had witnessed numerous protests and rallies during the last few weeks, resulting in financial loss to the shopkeepers. “The protests and rallies have greatly disturbed my business as my shop would remain closed for up to four hours at least thrice a week during the past three months,” he added.

Mian Masood Jan, an owner of a general store in Khar Bazaar, said that frequent protests near commercial places had become a serious issue for the business community in Bajaur Agency, especially in Khar.

Fazal Akbar, another trader, said that protests and demonstrations by the political and religious organisations had been disturbing his business for the last several months. He said that they had to keep their shops shut for fear of attack by protesters.

The shopkeepers pointed out that the rallies were held by the political parties usually between 9:00am and 1:00pm when business activities were at peak in the bazaar. They urged the political parties to arrange their rallies outside the bazaars and commercial areas.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2017