Bashir Hussain Azad | Chitral Today
CHITRAL: Traders in Chitral remained divided over the weekly holiday announced by the Traders’ Union on Sunday, August 24.
The Union directed all shops in Chitral Bazaar to remain closed. Many traders rejected the order, arguing that the last Sunday of the month actually fell on August 31. They kept their shops open, saying the Union’s decision was unfair.Shoppers also voiced concern. They said most government employees depend on Sundays for buying essentials.
The closure caused them problems.Several traders opposed the move for economic reasons. They said high shop rents and family expenses leave them little room to lose a day’s income. Passengers and visitors complained that the closure of restaurants added to their difficulties.
Last month, the Sunday closure was highly successful, with 98 percent of shops shut. This time compliance fell to about 70 percent, while 30 percent stayed open. The Union later admitted the effort had failed.