The recent Rawalpindi tragedy has caused a serious impact on business activities, as traders are panicked of any possibility of any related violence in the metropolis. "Panic and fears have gripped traders in the wake of Rawalpindi sectarian clashes as a result business has slumped by 80 percent since last Saturday," said Chairman All Karachi Tajir Ittehad (AKTI), Atiq Mir on Tuesday.
Traders were expecting a robust increase in sales following Ashura holidays but the fresh sectarian violence in Rawalpindi pulled down trade and business activities phenomenally, he said, adding that markets are wearing a deserted look for the last three days. "The national economy has suffered at least Rs 15 billion losses during the last one week because of the Muharram holidays and Rawalpindi incident", he said.
He said continuing uncertainty, rumours left traders in deep fears of violence in the city, barring the local businesses from returning to normalcy. "Around 80 percent of the major markets are located on main M.A. Jinnah Road and its adjacent old city area which remained closed because of airtight security arrangements during Muharram holidays," he said.
However, he showed satisfaction over the stiff security shield around M.A. Jinnah Road ahead of Ashura day to foil any untoward incident "Security was good in the city to foil violence," he said. Atiq Mir slammed the rumour mongers saying "the major fall in sales is largely linked to the rumours, which have created widespread panic among traders". He urged the government to step up measures to ensure security and protection to traders in such hard circumstances which not only have reduced trade activities but also put a negative impact on the national economy.
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