Coronavirus pandemic: Currency business halted due to suspension of Dubai-bound flights

The local currency dealers on Thursday halted trading of all foreign currencies in the provincial metropolis for an indefinite period following suspension of Dubai-bound flights in the wake of growing coronavirus pandemic.
"Due to the suspension of Dubai-bound flights and shortage of cash in the market, many currency dealers refrained themselves from buying and selling of foreign currencies throughout the trading session," Uzair Ahmed, a local currency dealer, told Business Recorder. He added that the situation resulted into a colossal loss to him and others.
He said that the local currency shops in the metropolis are likely to be closed completely in a day or so because of their connectivity with the Dubai currency market. He apprehended the closure of the currency business until the resumption of flights.
"The coronavirus pandemic has severely affected our lives and businesses. We have no idea what would happen next," he lamented.
When asked whether the rates of foreign currencies were generated or not for Thursday's trading, Uzair responded in the affirmative, but added that there were a few currency dealers, who had cash in hand, traded the foreign currency.
Sharing the generated rates of the foreign currencies, he said the greenback resumed its trading for buying and selling at Rs 156.50 and Rs 158.00 against the overnight closing rate of Rs 157.00 and Rs 157.90 respectively.