LAKKI MARWAT: The district chapter of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl has asked the government to announce a special relief package for the lockdown-affected small trades.

Talking to journalists here on Saturday, JUI-F information secretary Shafiullah Qureshi said his party was deeply concerned about the government’s failure to give relief to the small businesses. He said over a month-long lockdown enforced by the government to contain spread of coronavirus had badly affected the businessmen, especially small traders in backwards districts like Lakki Marwat.

“The traders affiliated with tailoring, hair-dressing, footwear, hosiery and cosmetics businesses are unable to make both ends meet as their outlets are closed for last over one month,” he maintained, regretting that the provincial and federal governments had not taken any concrete steps for extending relief to the lockdown-hit shopkeepers.

Mr Qureshi demanded of the government to provide financial assistance to small traders after their registration through district administration. “The financial grant will enable the shopkeepers to arrange two-time meal for their family members during lockdown,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Naurang tehsil administration sealed eight shops and a warehouse over violation of lockdown on Saturday.

Additional assistant commissioner Aminullah Khan initiated the action when he learnt about violation of lockdown by the business community. He also ordered closure of the shops not allowed to open during the lockdown and arrested four shopkeepers.

The official also fined traders for not implementing the precautionary measures at the business outlets to contain Covid-19.

The additional assistant commissioner also distributed food packages among the needy and lockdown-hit people. The food packages were arranged by Al-Khidmat foundation, a humanitarian wing of the Jamaat-i-Islami.

The foundation also distributed ration among the poor tribesmen of Betanni tribal subdivision.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2020