Traders’ Leader Calls for Extended Market Hours Until 10 PM,Mujahid Butt Demand for Lower Electricity and Petrol Prices to Boost Economy
LAHORE :President of the Anjuman-e-Tajiran Mujahid Maqsood Butt addressed a press conference on Tuesday, outlining a roadmap for Pakistan’s economic stability. Emphasizing that the nation must shift its focus to financial prosperity, he stated, “After the battle for truth (Marka-e-Haq), we must now win the battle for the economy.”
During the briefing, Mujahid Maqsood Butt made a formal request to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Punjab to address the grievances of the trading community.
- He appealed to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to extend retail market hours until 10:00 PM to provide relief to both traders and consumers.
- Butt demanded an uninterrupted supply of electricity to commercial markets, noting that “the battle for the economy can only be won if the wheel of business keeps turning.”
- He urged the government to slash electricity and petrol prices and called for the immediate removal of petroleum levies and additional taxes.
Concerns Over Security and Harassment
The trade leader expressed significant reservations regarding the current operational environment for businesses in Lahore:
- He highlighted that security arrangements in major markets remain inadequate and need urgent improvement.
- Butt expressed frustration over the alleged unnecessary harassment of traders by the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Force, calling for an end to such tactics.
Despite his criticisms, the President of Anjuman-e-Tajiran paid tribute to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her ongoing development projects across Punjab.
“We appreciate the Chief Minister’s commitment to the province’s development and remain hopeful that she will provide relief to traders regarding market timings and operational costs,” he said.
Butt concluded the conference by reiterating that winning the “Economic Battle” requires the government to provide cheap electricity and freedom from the burden of excessive taxation. He stressed that a permanent, trader-friendly policy is the only way to ensure long-term national growth.
