Balochistan traders seek end to smart lockdown before Eidul Azha Balochistan’s traders have demanded an immediate end to the month-long smart lockdown before Eidul Azha. They warned of a shutter-down strike and wider protests if the government does not lift restrictions by May 14. QUETTA: The Central Association of Traders Balochistan on Monday called for the immediate withdrawal of the month-long smart lockdown in the province ahead of Eidul Azha, saying the restrictions were severely affecting business activity during a crucial sales period.
Speaking at a press conference, the association’s president, Abdul Rahim Kakar, gave the government until May 14 to lift the restrictions. He said traders would otherwise act on the directions of the All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran and begin a shutter-down strike across Balochistan while also joining protests planned at the national level.
The traders’ body said the timing of the lockdown had created serious difficulties for the business community, particularly with Eidul Azha approaching. According to Mr Kakar, many traders had already committed substantial funds to stock up for the holiday season and were now facing losses because of the restrictions.
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Mr Kakar said the impact was being felt most sharply by smaller businesses and workers linked to seasonal retail activity. He said the lockdown was hurting those who depend on the Eid shopping rush to earn a significant portion of their yearly income.
The association warned that if the government did not respond by the deadline it had set, traders across the province would move towards a shutdown in line with the call of the All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran. The demand reflects growing concern among market representatives over the continuation of restrictions during one of the busiest periods for retail trade. Deadline set for government response
The traders’ organisation made clear that May 14 was the cut-off date for the provincial government to end the smart lockdown. It said failure to do so would trigger a wider protest response, including a shutter-down strike in Balochistan and participation in countrywide demonstrations.
The demand was voiced publicly as traders argued that the current restrictions were undermining commercial activity at a time when businesses traditionally expect increased customer traffic before Eidul Azha. The association maintained that the lockdown was not only affecting shop owners but also daily earners and workers attached to retail sectors such as garments, shoes and mobile phones.
The press conference underscored the traders’ insistence that the restrictions be lifted without delay, with the association linking the issue directly to the livelihoods of small business operators and workers dependent on holiday-season sales.