A fresh spell of violence that erupted on Tuesday evening, turned the city into chaos forcing the markets in key business areas to close early. Traders estimated losses worth at least Rs 1.5 billion due to early closure of markets in the old city areas, expressing doubts on resumption of business activities on Wednesday as well.
Talking to Business Recorder, President Old City Market Alliance Jamil Paracha said the sudden violence triggered panic amongst the traders, who were left with no option but to close markets and run to find a safe shelter. He said the violence that erupted at about 4:30 pm following the firing incident on a rally, left over a dozen cars burnt and damaged at least four shops. Paracha said that situation in the area was still tense and frightening. "Shops were closed suddenly in the troubled parts of the city and there is no hope that the businesses will resume on Wednesday," he said.