Poultry traders in Multan on Monday declared a strike and agreed to keep all chicken shops in town closed.

The decision was made after the government of Punjab set the price of chicken for a kilogram at Rs260 which was far less than the demand of the shopkeepers.

“We can’t sell chicken at government prices because the prices that we have set are between Rs320 and Rs350 per kg,” a trader said, adding that as long as their demands are not met, the strike will not end.

“We can’t sell chicken at government prices because the prices that we have set are between Rs320 and Rs350 per kg,” A trader said, adding that the strike would not stop, as long as their demands are not met.

The city’s administration had already cracked down on shops selling chicken at higher prices, and sealed several stores. Shopkeepers have been prosecuted, too.

The Multan residents suffered because of this dispute between the government and the poultry traders. They regretted having to return home empty-handed from chicken shops.