By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Traders in the Faisal Town area staged a protest after unidentified individuals posing as government officials allegedly vandalized a local business, causing significant financial damage.
According to details, four men claiming to be government employees raided the APX showroom and broke recently installed billboards worth more than Rs300,000. The incident reportedly took place in the absence of the shop owner, Rana Shahbaz.
Two of the suspects arrived on motorcycles, while the other two claimed they were acting on the orders of a government agency. The accused allegedly damaged the signboards and issued threats of serious consequences.
Following the incident, members of the local traders’ community gathered outside the shop and held a protest demonstration. The protest was attended by Anjuman Tajran President Muhammad Jamil, APX owner Rana Shahbaz, Shahzeb Shahbaz, Muhammad Abid, Asif Javed, Muhammad Shahid, Jafar Hussain, Muhammad Idrees, Rashid and other traders from the area.
Speaking to the media, Rana Shahbaz said the billboards had been installed only a few months ago and represented a significant investment. He alleged that the individuals were “fake government employees” and demanded strict legal action against those responsible.
Anjuman Tajran President Muhammad Jamil also condemned the incident and called upon the district administration to take immediate notice. He urged authorities to identify and arrest the accused and ensure compensation for the damages incurred.
The protesting traders warned that if swift action is not taken, they would expand their protest.
Traders have appealed to the district administration to investigate the matter thoroughly and prevent such incidents in the future.
