The Anjuman-i-Tajran Muzaffarabad has announced its disassociation from the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) lockdown call on July 22, saying traders across the Muzaffarabad Division will not support the proposed shutdown.
The traders’ body stated that markets and business activities will continue as usual, rejecting any call for closure.
In a joint statement, representatives of Anjuman-i-Tajran Muzaffarabad said that all stakeholders of the traders’ body had mutually decided not to participate in the JAAC lockdown call.
The statement was issued in the presence of key traders’ representatives, including Acting Chairman Anjuman Tajran Muzaffarabad Gohar Kashmiri, President Madina Market Ibrar Mustafa, President Gojra Ch Shahid Mumtaz, Vice President Madina Market Ali Abbas, General Secretary Madina Market Khawaja Aqeel, and General Secretary Anjuman Tajran Muzaffarabad Mansoor Alam Qureshi, along with other traders.
Traders’ representatives said that all markets and shops across Muzaffarabad Division will remain open on July 22, with business activities continuing as usual. The leaders of the Traders’ Association said that, keeping in view the interests of traders, public convenience and economic activities, they have decided to stay away from the lockdown call.
Reactions to the July 22 strike and lockdown call have been emerging from various quarters. However, the Muzaffarabad Traders’ Association has clarified its position, announcing that business centres will remain open. Earlier, residents of Azad Kashmir had also rejected what they described as the “anarchic agenda” of the Action Committee.
It is worth mentioning here that last week, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Chairman Syed Qamar Raza had issued a clarification regarding the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) press release. He stated that the JAAC’s statement distorts facts and is based on speculation.
Syed Qamar Raza said that his decision to contact the banned JAAC was solely aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the issue, driven by his personal commitment, the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, and addressing their concerns.
He said the committee was not approached for any political or personal gain, but to encourage members to avoid violence and adopt a peaceful approach. According to him, most members of the banned JAAC responded positively and logically to the proposal for a peaceful resolution.
The OPF chairman said it was unfortunate that some elements were using a sincere and well-intentioned effort for cheap media publicity. He clarified that he was not representing any third party but was speaking on behalf of his people and his institution.
Read more: Qamar Raza responds to JAAC statement, calls it factually incorrect and speculative
