Chaotic-Lahore witnesses 80 percent business decline

Lahore, Mar. 13 (ANI): The ongoing political uncertainty, the lawyer's Long March and the attack on Lankan cricketers has affected business activity in Lahore, which has seen an 80 percent decline in recent days.

Beyond Lahore, the situations more or less similar in rest of the province, where the imposition of Section 144 has made people hesitant about going out for shopping or conducting other activities, the Daily Times reports.

All markets situated at Panorama Centre, Hall Road, Anarkali, Shah Alam Market, MM Alam Road, Gulberg Main Market, Gulberg Mini Market, Ghalib Market, Township, and Barkat Market have reported a sharp decline in sales.

Anjuman Qaumi Ittehad Finance Secretary Babar Ali Bhatti said the ongoing political situation and lack of security has affected the markets.

"This is the season of marriages, the peak of the business activity. We earn enough during this time period to survive during rainy days, but the peak itself has translated into rainy days," Bhatti said, while adding that 80 percent slump would have long-term consequences for Pakistan's economy.

Shopkeepers urged the Government to provide proper security to the markets to instill confidence among visitors.

"The government should realize that the country is passing through a sensitive phase," said Amjad Zaheer, a shopkeeper. (ANI)