Traders in Lahore conducted a token strike to protest rising inflation and exorbitant electricity bills on the call of Ashraf Bhatti, President of All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran. The Pomegranate Market Strike was held by shutting down all markets for three hours in the Anarkali area.
Protest Details
Shops were closed, and traders took to the streets to protest their grievances. Speaking to the protesters, Ashraf Bhatti asked the government to listen to their problems, adding that paying hefty power bills is almost impossible in these economic conditions. He pointed out that traders have always cooperated with the government, but now they have no choice owing to severe inflation and utility costs.
Bhatti stated that although traders from across the provincial capital wanted a broader strike, they tried to start with a token protest to avoid being disruptive initially while drawing attention to their plight. He warned of continuous protests by traders if their demands were not met.
The Non-Violent Protest
The protest was peaceful and expressed solidarity among business owners who shut shops from 2 PM to 5 PM. During this time, Anarkali markets were closed, and participants shouted for relief from government authorities. They hoped officials would take seriously their concerns regarding issues affecting businesses like theirs.
The strike comes amid wider trader unrest across Pakistan over discontent with economic policy and the high utility costs burden. The demonstrations within Lahore’s Anarkali markets represent another chapter in business owners’ ongoing fight against these critical issues.
Traders’ Demands And Future Plans
Traders demand immediate government intervention to implement lower electricity bills, which will also control inflation, according to Ashraf Bhatti. He has warned of escalation if no response is made promptly to his group’s demands. He said full-scale strike readiness exists among those doing business there should it come down to necessary measures.
To find a solution, Mr. Bhatti called on authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with entrepreneurs because he remarked, “The Business community has always been a key contributor to the national economy, and it should address its issues promptly.”
Government Response
The government has not yet officially responded to the traders’ demands. Still, given media coverage of the peaceful nature of the protests and the unison stance taken by business owners groups in Lahore, pressure is mounting on authorities to get something concrete soon enough.
To sum up, token strikes organized within Anarkali markets may be observed. These strikes clearly message the city’s business people, who can no longer afford exorbitant electricity bills and rising inflation levels. They remind us about their important role in our economy, whereby collective action safeguards individual interests.
