PESHAWAR: The traders on Sunday ended their protest after the government assured them of resolving the issue arising out of sealing of 11 shops around the historical Masjid Mahabat Khan.

The decision was made during a meeting between the representatives of the business community and officials here.

PTI MNA from NA-31, Haji Shaukat Ali, who led the official team, said on the occasion that he had intervened in the issue on the instructions of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan to address reservations of the affected traders.

Peshawar deputy commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh was also present.

It was decided that a technical committee comprising officials/engineers of Town-I administration and the department of archaeology and museums would submit its report on the status of the sealed shops to address the issue amicably.

It may be mentioned here that the traders had started protests after the administration sealed 11 shops on Friday for renovation of the historical building.

The shopkeepers were served with notices around a year ago and were also informed about the operation a day before the action.

The traders had been directed to contact officials of the Auqaf department in case some their belongings were left in the sealed shops which led to protests by the business community.

Earlier, talking to mediapersons at the traders’ protest camp, Haji Shaukat Ali said the government’s top priority was to resolve issues of the business community. He also said the renovation and rehabilitation of the mosque was essential to protect it from further damage.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2019