CD shops face closure in Mansehra town
By Nisar Ahmad Khan
MANSEHRA: Following closure of music and CD shops in Balakot and Oghi, owners of such shops in the Mansehra town are also under pressure to wind up their business.
The owner of a CD shop who had displayed a notice that he would wind up the business soon told Dawn he had taken the decision under compulsion.
He said he did not want to close the business because it was his only source of livelihood, but he had no option. “Even my business community wants me to do so (quit the business) because of potential threats by outlaws,” he said.
Mazhar Sheraz, owner of Classic CDs, said he was going to close the business soon because there was nothing more precious than life.
He said he had no other alternative source of earning livelihood for his family.
He said the CD and music business was already running in losses because of militants’ threats. Mr Sheraz said the president of the Anjuman-i-Tajran was also forcing CD and music shop owners to close their business without offering them any compensation.
Raja Akhtar, owner of Pakistan CDs, said he was also facing pressure from different quarters to close the business, adding he was associated with the business for 16 years and had invested in the business whatever money and resources he had.
He said he was the sole breadwinner of his eight-member family, including two small children.
He said people were gradually quitting the CD and music business in the town after receiving threatening letters and being attacked by militants.
He appealed to the government to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to save the CD and music industry of the district.
Source: Dawn
Date:8/18/2009
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