RAWALPINDI: The residents took a sigh of relief after Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) ended its sit-in on Murree Road at Liaquat Bagh after 14 days following an agreement with the federal government early on Friday.

However, metro bus service remained suspended as the JI planned a public meeting. The participants of the sit-in left the venue in front of Liaquat Bagh late on Thursday night while the district administration removed obstacles used to block roads and streets along Murree Road.

Friday is observed as a weekly holiday by traders on Murree Road but today shops were mostly opened as the owners said they suffered losses in the last two weeks due to the JI sit-in.

“We suspended the metro bus service after instructions from the district administration for security reasons,” said Mohammad Mudassar, Manager Operation Metro Bus Service. He said that the service would resume on Saturday.

Public transporters said after peaceful end of the sit-in, they feel a sigh of relief as it was difficult for them to use alternative roads due to blockades.

“There was no rush on the city roads in the morning, however, the situation changed in the afternoon with the return of the routine hustle and bustle,” he said.

Rawalpindi Traders Association President Sharjeel Mir said that markets would open on Saturday, adding shopkeepers faced slow business in the last two weeks.

“The JI dharna ended with an increase in electricity tariff and some promises. After two months, the humid weather will change and the electricity bills will not be that high,” he said.

Cantonment Traders Association Secretary General Zafar Qadri said that markets and bazaars had opened in Saddar and other areas after two weeks.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2024