Protests Take Toll on Islamabad’s Business Sector

APP

Islamabad: Traders, transporters, and students in Islamabad are urgently calling for an end to the ongoing political protests, citing increasing hardships, healthcare concerns, and daily disruptions.

In an exclusive interview, Naeem Mir, a leader of the traders’ community, expressed serious concerns over the impact of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protests on the capital.

He warned that the ongoing demonstrations are not only disrupting daily life but also harming the economy, which has been improving under the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) leadership.

The protests have caused growing anguish and frustration among residents, as each passing day sees an intensification of the disruptions. Naeem Mir emphasized the urgency of restoring normalcy, urging authorities to take swift action.

The capital is increasingly gripped by uncertainty, with many fearing that the ongoing protests will escalate, further impacting traders, commuters, and students. A motorist criticized the protests, saying that they are exacerbating tensions and worsening hardships for everyday citizens.

Traders in the city have particularly expressed distress over the ongoing PTI protests, with many appealing for a return to normal life. Muhammad Ali, a shop owner in Blue Area, said, “We are on the verge of bankruptcy.

Our businesses are suffering due to road closures, and we cannot afford to pay our employees. We urge the protesters to find a peaceful solution.”

Mobile sales have plummeted by 70 percent since the protests began, according to Umair, a mobile shop worker in Blue Area. “We are struggling to make ends meet. We appeal to the protesters to consider the impact on ordinary citizens,” he said.

Students are also feeling the strain, with Ayesha, a student at Islamabad Model College, stating, “We are missing out on crucial school days. Our exams are approaching, and we are not prepared. We urge the protesters to find an alternative way to express their views without disrupting our education.”

The ongoing protests have caused severe traffic congestion, increasing travel times and raising fuel costs, according to a taxi driver. Transporters have voiced their opposition to PTI’s stance, noting that the protests are affecting their livelihoods. A bus driver said, “We will not support PTI’s stance, as it directly impacts our work.”

Meanwhile, transporters are calling for protection of public property, urging protesters not to damage infrastructure. “The capital’s beauty and roads should not be harmed,” they added.

With daily life in turmoil and mounting economic losses, residents are calling for immediate action from the government to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy to the capital.