LAHORE: JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday assured traders of his party`s support against a `Punjab government plan to demolish markets and shops` on Circular Road under a project aimed at restoration of old city.

He reportedly gave the assurance during a meeting with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) consisting of Circular Road traders, which met him to seek his support against the project.

The Maulana not only assured the traders of his party`s full support, but also promised to convene an all-parties conference on the issue as well.

`No one can be allowed to snatch people`s bread and butter in the name of tourism and beautification of the city,` Fazlur Rehman told the traders delegation.

`The JUI-F stands with traders on this issue. The recent budget has already caused price hike in the country and the common man is struggling to make both ends meet.

The government`s policies are causing poverty,` the Maulana said and directed his party to send a delegation to meet traders to discuss and finalise the future course of action.

Earlier, the delegation, led by Malik Khalid, briefed the JUI-F chief on the issue, saying that the provincial government, under the restoration of old city project, plans to demolish around 20 markets situated on the Circular Road between Bhatti Gate to Aik Moria Pull (one-way underpass). These markets consist of more than 7,000 shops of chemicals, medicines, electronics, dry fruit, glasses etc. Hundreds of thousands of people depend on these shops for their living.

Shahid Aslam, president of the JAC, told Dawn that the government wants to restore 200 years old Circular Garden.