Fourteen-Member Action Committee Formed to Address Traders’ Issues – Zahid Bakhtawari to Lead the CommitteeWe Will Protect Traders’ Rights Not with Iron Hands, But with Iron Resolve, Says Zahid Bakhtawari
Two major traders’ organizations of Rawalpindi Cantt have formally joined hands in a landmark ceremony where a joint agreement was announced under the title “Misaq-e-Tahaffuz-e-Huqooq-e-Tajiran Rawalpindi Cantt” (Charter for the Protection of Traders’ Rights). A fourteen-member Action Committee was also formed, comprising seven representatives from each organization. The committee will be headed by Zahid Bakhtawari, President of the Markazi Tanzeem Tajiran Cantonment (Registered) Rawalpindi.
A press conference was held on this occasion, attended by Zahid Bakhtawari, office-bearers of the organization, Mushtaq Khan, President of the Markazi Anjuman Tajiran Rawalpindi Cantt, and other senior leaders.Speaking at the press conference, Zahid Bakhtawari said the core purpose of the agreement is to free the trader community of Rawalpindi Cantt from the unjust and discriminatory actions of the Cantonment Board.
He said traders have been suffering for decades under outdated government regulations and have long faced exploitation and injustice.
Bakhtawari explained that under the agreement, the newly formed Action Committee will work within constitutional and legal limits to find effective solutions to traders’ long-standing problems.
He emphasized that the trading community is peaceful but will not hesitate to launch a movement for the protection of their rights and interests.
“We will secure our rights not with iron hands, but with iron resolve,” he declared.
He further said that strikes, shutter-downs, and other protest measures are constitutional rights of traders, and they will take all necessary steps to make their voice heard.
Bakhtawari assured that the organization will dedicate all its efforts and energy to safeguard the rights, interests, and welfare of the trader community.
Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Khan and other leaders of the Markazi Anjuman Tajiran Rawalpindi Cantt also addressed the gathering.
Mushtaq Khan termed this alliance a positive step for the trader community and described the agreement as a milestone for the future of Rawalpindi’s business community.
It is worth noting that traders had previously raised their concerns several times, but instead of being resolved, their issues became even more complicated at the governmental and institutional levels.
However, following this agreement, there is renewed hope that the traders of Rawalpindi Cantt will now move forward in a more organized and effective manner and emerge as a stronger collective voice for their rights.
