Karachi and Lahore’s bustling markets will remain open on May 28, ‘Youm-e-Takbeer’, despite the government’s announcement of a public holiday. This decision comes in light of the ongoing economic challenges and high unemployment rates that the cities face.
Anjuman-e-Tajraan Karachi, the city’s traders’ association, announced that all business and trade centers will remain operational on May 28. The association cited economic hardships and unemployment as key reasons for not observing the holiday.
Javed Shams, President of Anjuman-e-Tajraan Karachi, underscored the significance of May 28 for Pakistan’s defense. He emphasized that the general public, already struggling with poverty, unemployment, and inflation, cannot afford to take a day off. “The current economic conditions and joblessness prevent traders and businessmen from closing their enterprises,” Shams explained.
Similarly, Anjuman-e-Tajraan Lahore announced that shops and businesses in Lahore would stay open, celebrating ‘Youm-e-Takbeer’ with national enthusiasm. Traders in Lahore echoed the sentiment that economic pressures make it impossible to observe the public holiday fully.
Electronic Markets to Operate
Rizwan Irfan, President of Karachi Electronic Dealers Association, confirmed that all electronic markets in Karachi would be open on May 28. He noted the historical importance of the day, marking Pakistan’s emergence as a nuclear power and an invincible nation on the global stage.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a public holiday on May 28 to commemorate Youm-e-Takbeer. This day marks the anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests conducted in Chagai, Balochistan, in 1998. The prime minister highlighted this event as a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s defense capabilities, making it the first Muslim-majority country and the seventh globally to achieve nuclear power status.
In a statement from the PM House, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the nation’s economic security and prosperity, alongside its defense achievements.
Despite the government’s declaration of a public holiday, the economic realities faced by traders and businessmen in Karachi and Lahore have led to the decision to keep markets open on ‘Youm-e-Takbeer’. This reflects the ongoing struggle against economic challenges and the collective determination to maintain economic activity even on significant national days.