Muzaffarabad, July 27 -- Businesses across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) are facing mounting financial losses as prolonged shutdowns and restrictions imposed during the Public Action Committee's protest movement have severely disrupted commercial activities, according to local traders.

In response to the protests, the authorities ordered the closure of banks, internet services, petrol pumps, hotels, guest houses and educational institutions, bringing normal economic activity to a near standstill. Small business owners say the restrictions have pushed many to the brink of financial distress.

Speaking about the impact of the shutdown, Muzaffarabad-based businessman Zafar Chohan, who operates a private guest house on Bank Road...