Baluchistan traders reject lockdown extension

Traders in Baluchistan have rejected the two-week extension in the lockdown announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan, and decided to open their businesses in the province.

Speaking at a press conference after holding talks with the provincial government, Abdul Rahim Kakar, the president of the Anjuman Tajiran Baluchistan, said that his organisation had decided to fully support the lockdown imposed by the provincial government till April 21.

However, he said that dryfruit markets, shops that sell dates and agriculture products, tailors, and restaurants would open in Quetta this week.

The restaurants would only sell food for takeaway, he added.

Flanked by Syed Qayyum Agha, Hazrat Ali and other leaders, Kakar said the traders had supported the lockdown till April 7, which was extended by the provincial government till April 14.

“We have already suffered huge financial losses due to the lockdown, but we cannot tolerate further losses,” he said, and added that they had informed the provincial government regarding their reservations over the extension in lockdown.

He said that a government delegation that included provincial lawmaker Asghar Khan Achakzai, Baluchistan Home Minister Saleem Khosa, and the commissioner for Quetta acknowledged the traders’ concerns.

“We have decided to reopen some businesses in the province keeping in mind public needs. The government has announced to give interest-free loans to traders and the ration for 10 days to labourers,” Kakar said.

In response to a question about extension in the lockdown till April 30, he said the traders had already rejected it.

“We are bound to accept the lockdown till April 21 in Baluchistan,” Kakar said.