MIRPUR (AJK), Sept. 8: Stakeholders, including the business community, have decided to continue efforts for the restoration of business activities in Mirpur, the only vibrant business hub of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, amid intensified law and order measures.
The decision was taken at a meeting between Deputy Commissioner Mirpur Chaudhry Sajid Aslam and a delegation of traders and business community representatives led by President Mirpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Umar Shehzad.
The meeting discussed maintenance of law and order, restoration of business activities, protection of traders and provision of basic facilities to the public.
It was unanimously agreed that no individual or group would be allowed to spread anarchy, forcibly close shops or create hurdles in business activities. Authorities declared that strict action would be taken against violations of law, attempts to create disorder, mob pressure or efforts to disturb peace.
Officials said close monitoring would also be maintained to prevent misuse of social media and activities of disruptive elements. The meeting stressed responsible and positive use of social media, warning that provocative or negative content capable of affecting law and order would be dealt with according to law.
The participants agreed that the administration would extend all possible cooperation and protection to the business community to facilitate the restoration of economic activities and enable traders to continue their businesses normally.
The traders assured the administration of their full cooperation in maintaining law and order, observing the law and preserving a peaceful environment.
Regarding restoration of internet services, participants said the measure was aimed at ensuring citizens’ fundamental rights and essential communication facilities. They noted that restoration of internet services had helped bring daily life and business activities back to normal.
Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Sajid Aslam and SSP Mirpur Khurram Iqbal said protection of the lives and property of citizens, traders and the business community, along with maintenance of law and order, remained among the administration’s top priorities.
They said all available resources would be utilized to protect citizens and restore peace, brotherhood, mutual cooperation and normalcy in the city.
Umar Shehzad urged the administration to provide complete protection to traders, saying the business community could no longer afford further protests and economic disruption. He stressed that all stakeholders should resolve issues through consultation, cooperation and mutual understanding.
Trader representatives also called for effective security arrangements to keep shops and businesses open and ensure uninterrupted economic activity.
SSP Khurram Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner Mian Hussam Sajid, traders’ representatives Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem, Sohail Shuja Mujahid, Raja Khalid and Sheikh Hameed-ul-Haq, President Auto Market Mirza Nabeel and other business and trade representatives attended the meeting.
