MURREE: Roads in Murree are swamped by stalls displaying various goods to attract tourists. Shawls, fancy carpets, toys, colorful umbrellas, fruits, children’s fur jackets, women’s fur bags are among the items on display.

More than 300 stalls have been set up on Kuldanna, Bhurban, Kashmir, Galyaat, Patriata, Jika Gali Lower Topa roads and other areas of the town.

Talking to this correspondent, a number of shopkeepers in Murree and adjoining bazaars complained that due to roadside vendors, business of local shopkeepers was badly affected. They said these vendors did not pay any rent whereas shopkeepers have taken shops on heavy rent and were paying various kinds of government taxes, utility bills and other expenses.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2019