MARDAN: Traders in Mardan on Wednesday staged a protest rally against smart lockdown measures, taxation policies and rising utility costs, saying the restrictions were hurting businesses ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
The rally, organized by Markazi Tanzeem Tajran Zahir Shah Group, began at Mardan Chamber and moved toward Kachehri Chowk, where it turned into a larger gathering of traders and shopkeepers. Protesters called for the immediate withdrawal of smart lockdown restrictions until Eid-ul-Adha, arguing that businesses had already invested heavily in seasonal goods.
The protest was led by Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry, president of Markazi Tanzeem Tajran Pakistan, and Zahir Shah, provincial general secretary for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with other representatives of the trading community.
Speaking at the rally, Chaudhry said traders across the country had purchased goods worth billions of rupees for Eid-ul-Adha sales but were unable to conduct business due to market restrictions. He alleged that traders were also facing pressure through Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) enforcement measures, including point-of-sale systems, fines and business inspections.
He said increasing petroleum prices, higher electricity tariffs and additional taxes in utility bills had added to the financial burden on traders and the general public. According to him, many small businesses were struggling to cover shop rents, electricity bills and household expenses.
Zahir Shah said evening lockdown restrictions were reducing customer activity in markets at a time when traders expected increased sales before Eid-ul-Adha. He warned that prolonged restrictions could create serious financial difficulties for small shopkeepers.
He also criticized FBR policies, claiming that small businesses were being sealed under point-of-sale regulations and subjected to fines and legal action. According to the organizers, the measures had created uncertainty among traders and increased concerns about corruption and administrative pressure.
Several traders and local business representatives attended the rally, including Waqar Ali Bacha, Ghulam Sarwar Saraf, Waheed Gul, Tariq Khan, Wahab Yousafi, Asad Jamal and others.
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