Islamabad, May 15: Traders in Peshawar, Pakistan, took to the streets to protest against the government’s smart lockdown measures. According to local media reports, a large rally was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Traders Organization, attracting numerous shopkeepers and business owners.
Protesters chanted slogans demanding the immediate withdrawal of the smart lockdown, a reduction in petroleum prices, and effective measures to control inflation. Leaders from the business community criticized the government’s policies harshly during the demonstration, as reported by The Express Tribune.
One speaker stated, “The lockdown has benefited neither the government nor the traders. Shops are forced to close by 8 PM, while people prefer shopping in the evening due to the intense heat. This decision has neither resolved the energy crisis nor provided relief to the public regarding petroleum products.”
Demonstrators expressed that the continuously rising prices of petrol have made essential goods unaffordable for the average citizen. They urged, “Fuel prices have skyrocketed to the point where ordinary citizens cannot even meet basic needs. The government must immediately revoke the lockdown decision and take effective steps to curb inflation.”
The business community warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their protests. They emphasized that their struggle against the government’s “wrong and economy-damaging policies” will continue.
Earlier, on May 9, transport operators in Peshawar and throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province also protested against the rising prices of petroleum products. According to The Express Tribune, dozens of transport operators gathered at the Haji Camp terminal in Peshawar, demanding an immediate reduction in petrol and diesel prices.
Transport leader Zubair Ahmed Qureshi addressed the protest, highlighting that petroleum prices are consistently increasing while CNG remains unavailable. Following the recent fuel price hike, transportation fares have risen for the fifth time within a month. Reports indicate that fares for air-conditioned vehicles have significantly increased, while non-air-conditioned bus fares have also risen by up to five percent.
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