RAWALPINDI: Traders on Saturday asked the government and Jamaat-i-Islami to settle their issues as the business community was suffering a lot due to the closure of roads.

“Business activities in main Raja Bazaar are virtually stopped due to the sit-in of JI as roads have been closed in and around Liaquat Bagh,” said Rawalpindi Traders Association President Sharjeel Mir while talking to Dawn.

He said that goods supply to Raja Bazaar and other main business centres was affected and the shopkeepers were finding it difficult to procure goods and supply to other parts of the area.

Mohammad Tariq, a shopkeeper at College Road, said that people were reluctant to visit the bazaars due to traffic issues between the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

“Mostly people from Islamabad and adjoining areas visit China Market and other commercial centres but for the last two weeks the number of customers has declined as compared to the previous year,” he said.

He said that the business activities had stopped in the city and there was a need to solve the issue between the government and the religious party as soon as possible otherwise traders would suffer financial losses.

He said Rawalpindi was the hub of commercial activities for the Potohar region and most people entered the city from Liaquat Bagh.

“I wanted to send food items to Murree but due to closure of the main road it took more than two days to find a truck. Most truck drivers are reluctant to enter the city areas as the traffic mess waste their time and fuel,” said Mohammad Ansar, a shopkeeper in the main grain market.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2024