SIALKOT: Traders and vendors observed a strike and boycotted the Sasta Ramzaan Bazaar in Chawinda, Pasrur tehsil, in protest against the heavy fines imposed on them and arrests of their colleagues by the assistant commissioner.

The Markazi Anjuman-i-Tajraan Chawinda had given the call for the strike.

The traders did not set up stalls at Sasta Ramzan Bazaar and held a demonstration in front of it. Due to the strike, the bazaar remained suspended on first day of the holy month.

The protesters were carrying placards inscribed with slogans against the local administration. They said Assistant Commissioner Zaheer Liaqat had imposed the heavy fines on the shopkeepers which were unjustified. They announced to continue their strike till the withdrawal of the fines and release of the arrested traders besides withdrawal of cases registered against them.

The protesters urged Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Gujranwala Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Asif and Deputy Commissioner Dr Asif Tufail to look into the matter.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Asif Tufail said that he had launched a probe into the matter; however, adding profiteering and hoarding of the commodities of daily use would not be allowed.

Meanwhile, DC Dr Tufail took notice of the sale of substandard potatoes, onions, garlic and other vegetables at Sasta Ramzan Bazaar Daska during his visit.

He suspended Market Committee Secretary Ehsanullah from service for negligence.

The Ramazan bazaars in Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, Pasrur, could not attract customers due to hot weather on the first day of Ramazan. The ratio of visitors to these bazaars was about four to six percent at noon, said the officials.

Besides Ramazan bazaars, all the roads, markets and shopping centres wore a deserted look as the people avoided coming out of their homes.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2017