KP traders begin stockpiling essential goods ahead of September long marches

PESHAWAR: Traders and goods transporters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have started stocking up on essential commodities amid concerns that a series of long marches announced by political and social organisations could disrupt inter-provincial supplies.

The announcements of the planned protests have raised fears of shortages and price increases, prompting traders in Peshawar and other districts to order additional quantities of food items and other essential goods.

According to sources, traders have become increasingly concerned following announcements of long marches by various organisations in September.

The Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a march for September 20, the Azad Kashmir Action Committee for September 22, farmers organisations for September 25, and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for September 27.

A major portion of essential commodities, including food items, supplied to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa comes from Punjab.

Sources said any closure of the motorway or the Grand Trunk Road could disrupt the movement of goods between the two provinces.

They said the closure of the motorway at Swabi or the GT Road near Attock could particularly affect the supply of food items, vegetables, fruits and other daily-use commodities to KP.

Any prolonged disruption to transportation could result in shortages of some commodities in local markets and put upward pressure on prices, sources said.

To guard against possible supply disruptions, traders and people associated with goods transportation in Peshawar and other districts have begun bringing in additional stocks.

The move is aimed at ensuring the availability of essential commodities in the markets in case roads are blocked or transportation services are disrupted during the protests.

Meanwhile, the Capital City Police and other law-enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have started tightening security arrangements ahead of the expected long marches.

Security measures around major highways, sensitive locations and other key points are being reviewed to ensure public order is maintained during the anticipated protest activities.

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