The city traders have suffered an estimated loss of Rs 15 billion due to the anti-government demonstration by the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) Chief Tahir-ul-Qadri and his political allies, seeking justice for the Model Town killings and six-year-old Zainab, who was killed in Kasur district.
Talking to Business Recorder here on Wednesday, All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran (APAT) President Khalid Pervez said that forceful closure of commercial markets and shops on The Mall by the city district administration and provincial police department have resulted in colossal financial damage to the traders' community. "Today, we have suffered an estimated loss of Rs 15 billion due to political demonstration of opposition parties," Khalid Pervez said while answering a query. He added that this was a huge loss which cannot be recovered.
All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran's Secretary General Naeem Mir talking about the Lahore High Court (LHC) decision of allowing them to stage their protest on Mall Road said it was very disappointing. He said that in year 2011 the court through another verdict clamped a ban on public meetings and rallies on Mall Road. Nevertheless, he said they were wandering here and there showing pages of this decision to stop the protest but in vain. He said they were not getting justice and these rallies were ruining their business. He said the state was responsible to protect those who were carrying out fair business while courts were protector of basic rights of citizen and traders. However, he claimed that traders had failed to get justice from every section of the state. He said today's decision of the court should be taken as a hint by the traders of The Mall that either they should shift their business to some other place in the city or wait for next many generations to see a powerful judiciary which could ensure implementation of its own orders.
The leading trade centres including Panorama Centre, Sadiq Plaza, currency market and other important commercial building remained closed due to the PAT-led rally. Moreover, around 12 banks also remained closed for public dealings which multiplied hardships of the citizens. Some people also complained that the ATM machines of many banks remained out of order.
For security reasons, the Wildlife & Parks Department Punjab also closed the Lahore Zoo which is the most popular recreational place. It may be noted that The Mall - from Faisal Chowk to High Court Chowk - remained under the strict security blanket since early morning, creating worst traffic mess on many roads leading to The Mall and its adjoining areas.
The whole area, right from the Chairing Cross to Regal Chowk was cordoned off with barbed wire and the protestors were allowed to enter their designated place after three-layer security clearance. The protestors had to pass walkthrough gates and physical check-up.
The staffers of Aaj News and Business Recorder also suffered severe hardships while coming and leaving the office because of strict security measures. Some media persons also exchanged harsh words with policemen after they were denied the entry of vehicles to their office.
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