Chitral, Aug 24, 2025: The decision by the Chitral Bazar union to close all markets on Sundays has caused public criticism as it is creating hardships especially for those who vine to the city for shopping from remote areas.
President of Chitral traders union Noor Ahmed Khan Charvelu announced two days ago that the bazar will remain closed on Sunday. A trader in Chitral while talking to ChitraToday justified the closure saying traders also have the right to spend weekend with their families.
According to Shah Fahad Shinwari, for years, shopkeepers have requested that the 28th of every month be officially designated as a holiday. In the recent market elections, Noor Ahmed Khan Charvelu included this date in his manifesto and received significant support from the traders.
Previously, the Traders’ Union had decided to observe a holiday on the last Sunday of each month. However, opinions among shopkeepers were divided. While some welcomed the decision, others argued that a fixed calendar date would be more practical.
This month, the last Sunday falls on the 31st, but the Union declared a holiday on the 30th. This has left nearly 70% of shopkeepers dissatisfied. Many express concern that customers from remote areas are confused about which day the market will be closed. Additionally, the holiday schedule appears to be applied inconsistently, contradicting the expectation that the 31st should have been observed.
Shopkeepers are now urging the Traders’ Union to reconsider the decision, warning that failure to do so could lead to widespread noncompliance.
The move has however sparked anger among residents as well. They say the decision adds unnecessary hardships to daily life.
Chitral is a remote and underdeveloped region. Many people travel long hours from surrounding villages to reach the central markets. Sunday is often the only day they can shop for household essentials. Government employees, students, and working families rely on this day. Closing the markets on Sunday makes life harder and creates new challenges for residents.
Residents note a stark contrast with larger cities. In major urban centers, markets stay open late at night. In Chitral, most shops close by 7 or 8 p.m. The Sunday closure further limits access to goods.
Mirza Nadir from Upper Chitral told ChitraToday that he had come to the city to purchase household items and had to spend one extra day in the hotel after finding the markets shut on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the district administration has remained silent about the issue. Critics say the traders’ union has too much influence but it should not be allowed to take decisions that affected routine life.
“This policy is unfair to the public,” said a local resident. “It shows the administration’s indecision. Authorities must act now. Public convenience must come first.”
Frustrated residents demand action. They want the administration to side with the people. If authorities ignore their needs, hardships will increase. The coming weeks will show whether the voices of Chitral’s residents will be heard.
There cannot be a more idiotic thing than this. Traders have the option to close their shops whenever and on whichever day they want. Forcing a holiday is unthinkably stupid. Unfortunately The passive compliant nature of Chitralis is a victim to such silly experiments carried out now and then.