MARDAN: Traders in Mardan staged a protest rally on Tuesday against the smart lockdown, rising taxes, and increasing electricity and gas charges, demanding immediate relief for the business community ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

The protest was organized by the Markazi Tanzeem Tajran Zahir Shah Group and began from the Mardan Chamber of Commerce and Industry before marching toward Kachehri Chowk, where the gathering turned into a large procession.

The rally was led by Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry and Zahir Shah, Provincial General Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with several traders’ representatives and local business leaders.

A large number of traders and market representatives participated in the demonstration, demanding that the smart lockdown imposed in different parts of the country be lifted until Eid-ul-Adha.

Traders criticize taxes and market restrictions

Addressing the rally, Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry said traders across the country had purchased goods worth billions of rupees for Eid-related business but were unable to sell their merchandise due to market restrictions.

He alleged that traders were facing harassment in the name of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms through point-of-sale systems, fines, and enforcement actions.

The speakers also criticized increasing petroleum prices, electricity tariffs, taxes in utility bills, and what they described as excessive financial pressure on small businesses.

Zahir Shah said evening lockdown restrictions were badly affecting market activity at a time when traders had already invested heavily ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

He warned that continued restrictions and rising business costs could financially damage thousands of small traders.

The protesters also raised concerns regarding point-of-sale policies, claiming small shopkeepers were facing business closures, penalties, and other enforcement measures.

Speakers further said rising fuel prices and increased taxes on electricity and gas had added to inflation and made it difficult for traders to manage shop rents, utility bills, and household expenses.