Business activities remain normal

LAHORE: Business activities remained usual in Lahore after the Supreme Court decision on Panama Leaks case on Friday.

The clash and closing of businesses, markets were anticipated. However, no call was given from the PML-N traders’ wing as well as from other leadership of the party. The traders did not close their shops. The discussion and consequences remained in discussion in the markets while the traders kept glued to screens at their shops to watch TV live transmissions on Panama Leaks case verdict.

Being Friday, business starts slowly in Lahore markets. It gains momentum after Friday prayer, especially wholesale markets of Shah Alam, Azam Cloth Market, Akbari Mandi and others where traders from other districts of the province come for weekly buying.

Midday heavy rain was also another reason of traders' no response to the verdict. Heavy rain started around 12:30 at the time when decision came. In Ichhra and Liberty, some workers came out to show their solidarity with Nawaz Sharif. Some road blocks and traffic jam were witnessed at that time.

The traders were expecting the shops could be closed if the protest prolonged. However, the heavy rain compelled them to end the protest quickly. The rain continued almost over an hour with intervals. By the time Friday prayer time arrived and markets closed for the prayer break. This neutralised the immediate reaction time.