ISLAMABAD - The government has formally allowed the business community to close shops by 10:00 pm in the federal capital.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has accepted the demand of businessmen in this regard, said Member, National Assembly, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry here Friday.
Addressing a press conference at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), he said that the prime minister had taken notice of the reservations of business community. He said there would be no loadshedding in markets from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and those who want to keep shops open from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, could utilize UPS or generators.
However, he appealed to traders to cooperate with the government and ensure closing of shops by 10:00 pm. He clarified that there would be no time limit for restaurants and they have been exempted from this condition.
Chairman, Traders Joint Action Committee, Abdul Rauf Alam and President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muzzamil Hussain Sabri thanked the Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry for giving due consideration to the demand of business community and allowing them to close shops in Islamabad by 10:00 pm.
Abdul Rauf Alam Chairman, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, President Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry, Kamran Abbasi, President Markazi Anjuman-e-Tijaran Islamabad M. Kashif Chaudhry, M. Ajmal Baloch President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tijaran and Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi President Jinnah Super Market and former President ICCI as members, Khalid Chaudhry Coordinator Joint Action Committee and Malik Sohail Hussain Advisor Joint Action Committee were also present on the occasion.
Cabinet’s Energy Conservation Committee had taken the decision on April 8, 2015 to close shops in Islamabad by 8 pm as a part of energy conservation strategy.
Then the Prime Minister deputed Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to convince traders for closure of shops by 9:00 pm. Senior Vice President, ICCI M. Shakeel Munir, M. Ashfaq Hussain Chatha Vice President ICCI and presidents as well as general secretaries of local markets were also present on the occasion.