HYDERABAD: A delegation of traders from Anjuman Tajran Cantt Bazar Hyderabad, led by President Yasir Qureshi, recently visited the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry Secretariat. The primary agenda of the meeting was to devise a strategic plan to combat the unwarranted harassment and sealing of their shops without any legal justification.
The traders praised the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry for being a reliable advocate for their concerns, consistently raising their issues on prominent platforms. The delegation of Anjuman Tajran Cantt Bazar Hyderabad highlighted that despite the full payment of commercial electricity bills and 88% of domestic bills, HESCO Hyderabad continue to impose 10 to 12 hours of scheduled and unscheduled load shedding for many hours. This persistent power outage has not only disrupted business operations but has also taken a toll on the mental well-being of the traders and the local community.
Traders highlighted that shops within the Cantonment boundaries are being sealed without prior notice, tarnishing the traders’ reputations and severely impacting their businesses. The Cantonment Board staff exhibits a dismissive attitude towards the traders, showing little interest in addressing their problems and frequently sealing shops over minor infractions. Despite amendments to the Cantonment Board regulations from 1924 to 2016, which do not permit such actions, this unjust practice continues against the traders.
Dr. Muhammad Ismail Farouk Nami, Senior Vice President, Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry, emphasized the Chamber’s pivotal role in addressing and resolving traders’ issues. He assured that the grievances of Cantonment Bazaar traders would be communicated to the relevant authorities, and every effort would be made to find solutions. He explained that the Cantonment Board assesses an annual rental value, which often includes the reimbursement of taxes paid. Elected representatives of the Cantonment Board have the authority to revise this annual rental value during board meetings, considering the shop’s location and the nature of its business.
Vice President of the Cantonment Board, Shahid Aziz, highlighted that he was elected by the general residents especially the traders of Hyderabad Cantonment and is committed to representing and safeguarding their interests. He urged traders to communicate their complaints to their elected representatives, who are dedicated to resolving their issues.
Media Coordinator and elected member, Qazi Ashhad, pointed out that the primary reason for many of the traders’ problems was the lack of a unified platform. He acknowledged that the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry has now provided this much-needed platform, bridging the gap between traders and the Cantonment Board. This platform will ensure that the traders’ voices and concerns are effectively communicated to higher authorities through their elected representatives.
Vice President of Saddar Bazar Anjuman e Tajiran Younis Pathan, General Secretary Qaiser Barni, Chairman Ghazi Salahuddin, along with Shahid, Shehbaz, Iqbal Memon, and senior peace committee member from Tando Jahania, Syed Moazzam Shah Jahania and elected member from ward 2, Muhammad Abid Soljar attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024