Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Traders Demand Reversal of Controversial Lockdown Policy

Hundreds of traders in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa protested against the government's smart lockdown policy amidst soaring inflation and rising fuel costs. Organised by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Traders' Organization, the rally called for an immediate end to restrictions, citing economic harm and ineffective relief on power and inflation issues.

Hundreds of traders and shopkeepers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have staged a significant protest against the government's contentious smart lockdown policy, which was implemented to tackle the escalating energy crisis. The demonstration, organized by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Traders' Organization, aims to pressure authorities amid rising fuel costs and inflation.

Led by the organization's president, Malik Mehr Elahi, protesters marched through critical commercial areas, condemning the lockdown policy as economically detrimental. They argued that the mandatory closure of markets by 8 pm has imparted damage to business activity without providing significant relief from the country's worsening power shortages.

Business leaders addressing the rally criticized the government for imposing restrictions during summer's cooler evenings, when consumers prefer shopping. They highlighted that the policy has neither stabilized the energy supply nor alleviated financial burdens on citizens already grappling with high inflation. The rallying traders vowed to escalate their protests if the policy is not revoked and measures are not taken to control inflation and fuel costs.