LAHORE, Nov 6: The Anjuman Tajran has ruled out the possibility of closure of shops before 11pm.

Commenting on the proposed move to get the markets closed at 8:30pm in view of a power crisis, Lahore Anjuman chairman Waqar Ahmad said those giving such advices wanted a confrontation between the government and traders.

He said markets and shopping centres in residential areas like Gulberg, Defence, Shadman and Allama Iqbal Town remained open till late night because customers came to make purchases after attending their offices. Forcing the traders to close their shops in residential areas at 8pm would, thus, be tantamount to depriving them of their livelihood, and they would not agree to it under any circumstances, he said.