Traders deplore markets closures around stadium as KP assembly holds session

The shops and markets surrounding the cricket stadium were completely closed during a session of the provincial assembly, drawing strong criticism from local traders

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) The shops and markets surrounding the cricket stadium were completely closed during a session of the provincial assembly, drawing strong criticism from local traders.

The assembly session, scheduled for 3 p.m on Wednesday, began nearly two hours late at around 5 p.m. As part of heightened security measures, authorities ordered the closure of nearby shops and converted the surrounding areas into parking zones for vehicles belonging to security personnel, government officials, and assembly members.

Local traders expressed anger over the shutdown, saying it caused significant financial losses to them.

They argued that if the government truly cared about public welfare, it would not have disrupted business activities in the area.

Some traders described the assembly session at the Cricket Stadium as an “unnecessary exercise,” claiming it offered no direct benefit to ordinary citizens and instead resulted in a waste of public resources.

The session, held inside the cricket stadium, is being described as the first of its kind in the province’s history by treasury benches members. However, its arrangements and impact have created problems for masses and

triggered mixed reactions from different segments of society.