Zubair Ahmed, 30, flag vendor

“This year, my business witnessed a little improvement compared to previous years. The PTI march has created a hype, which has boosted my business. Almost all stallholders in Islamabad are facing shortage of flag badges, as a large number of people, especially government employees, have purchased these badges. Owing to uncertainty about road blocks, a lot of vendors could not buy new stock from wholesale dealers. This provided a good chance for those who have sufficient stocks. This year we are selling flag badges for Rs20, compared to Rs8 last year. Similarly flags, badges and buntings are witnessing a high sale compared to fireworks.”

Shahbaz Hadayat, 26, taxi driver

“Due to PTI’s march, I am worried about my business. Earlier, people used to celebrate Independence Day by visiting recreational place. I still remember, last year, I earned a good amount – almost quadruple of my normal earnings. This year, however, the proposed long march has shattered my dreams of earning more than usual. If the marchers manage to reach Islamabad, then people will not go out, fearing terrorism. If people don’t come out, how will I earn? I have to pay Rs400 rent to my cab owner, everyday. I fear if the protesters prolong their stay, then there will be a serious issue for all taxi drivers.”

Rehan Qazi (via Twitter @RehanQazi)

“I drive to Islamabad every day from Wah Cantt and cordoning off the city has meant that I have to leave early to get to work on time. It also means that I had to leave work at 2pm today, so that I can get back home. The G-11/Kashmir Highway Intersection, which I take to get out of the city every day, has been blocked by containers and only one car is allowed through at a time.”

Zahid Abdullah (via Twitter @xahidabdullah)

“Most of our staff comes from Rawalpindi, and most of them are women. Due to the situation in the twin cities, the Pindi staff was asked to work from home while Islamabad-based staff was asked to attend office as usual. I guess this is geographic discrimination, that just by virtue of living in the capital city, I have to work more days compared to my colleagues from Rawalpindi.”

The last two quotes are not tweets.

Published in Dawn, Aug 14th, 2014