A comprehensive plan has been devised to ensure foolproof security at all bazaars, shopping markets, and business hubs in provincial capital on eve of Eid-ul-Azha. In this connection, a meeting held to review security arrangements with members of business community and local administration here on Tuesday. President, Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Mohammad Yousaf Sarwar, also attended the meeting.
The meeting decided to further upgrade security measures at all shopping markets, and bazaars in cantonment and city areas, while on recommendation of business community all bazaars and shopping markets will remain open without any ban on entry of vehicles in Peshawar Saddar bazaar.
During the meeting, the SCCI President Dr Yousaf informed the participants about the business community concerns over the closure of bazaars and ban on entry of vehicles in Saddar bazaar. He said the business activities have already been declined due to poor law-and-order situation in the provincial metropolis, while banning of vehicles and closure of bazaars could further affect businesses on the eve of the religious festival.
SCCI Chief said that business community would extend every possible support to police and relevant departments, but it is not in favour of closure of bazaars and shopping markets. He proposed that instead of closing bazaars and shopping markets on Eid celebrations, the security should be further tightened to thwart any untoward incident on the occasion. The participants said that buyers are reluctant to visit the bazaars in wake of extra ordinary security measures and blockages of main roads, which could ultimately affect business activities. The meeting unanimously decided the bazaars and shopping markets should remain open on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha in cantonment areas.