RCCI calls for end to smart lockdown before Eid-ul-Adha

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Thursday urged the government to withdraw the ongoing smart lockdown restrictions and revise business operating hours in view of the upcoming Eid season and prevailing summer conditions.

The demand was strongly endorsed by RCCI members and traders during the RCCI Members Night ceremony, where a packed hall raised hands in unanimous support of extending market and restaurant timings.

The Members Night event was organized by RCCI in honor of its members. The chief guest on the occasion was Brigadier Ali Anjum Syed, Station Commander Rawalpindi.

The event witnessed large participation from representatives of traders’ associations, business communities from city and cantonment markets, and RCCI members from Gujar Khan, Taxila, and Wah.

RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf said due to the intense heat, shopping during daytime hours was inconvenient for the public.

He demanded that markets remain open until 10:00 PM during the Eid shopping season and that restaurants either be exempted from restrictions or allowed to operate until midnight.

Event Chairman, Khawaja Rashid Waien, in his welcome address, thanked the members for their participation and stated that the purpose of the event was to promote networking, exchange of ideas, and explore new business opportunities among the business community.

Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents, executive committee members, and a large number of chamber members were also present on the occasion.