RAWALPINDI: The business community is up in arms over millions have been collected from traders for violating SOPs for the prevention of coronavirus in Rawalpindi.
The Rawalpindi district administration has been minting money and fining traders for violation of coronavirus-related SOPs. Assistant Commissioner City has allegedly received bribes in the form of fines from traders of Murree Road, Faizabad.
The traders, who were already in dire difficulties due to the coronavirus, have staged a protest. Despite all security measures, the AC City allegedly collected cash fines of Rs 10,000 per shop forcefully.
The traders of Faizabad have strongly protested against the fines being imposed by the Assistant Commissioner. They said that traders have already been facing an adverse economic crisis and their miseries should not be compounded with unjust fines.
The traders said that they are strictly following the SOPs but despite following the rules, the Rawalpindi district administration is regularly imposing fines. They said outdoor dine-in service was not possible in heavy rains but fines were imposed.
He said that due to the previous lockdown, shop rent and bills could not be paid till now. In these difficult times, the government should not impose more fines and instead provide relief to the traders.
