Life in city stops

RAWALPINDI, Sept 21: Life in Rawalpindi came to a standstill on Friday as a huge crowd rallied to protest against the anti-Islam film by a US national.

Business activity was nominal as the main markets, city centres, bazaars and shops remained closed. The city presented a deserted look before the Friday prayers. However, after the prayers, every nook and cranny echoed with chants of Allah-o-Akbar and praises for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Although some private vehicles were seen on the roads, public transport remained closed and the majority preferred to remain indoors.

Patients and the elderly were unable to reach hospitals because of the absence of transport.

Similarly, people trying to buy food and other commodities suffered because of the closed markets, including grocery and vegetable/meat shops. With the public transport unavailable, the residents lacking private transport suffered greatly.

Pharmacies also remained closed except within hospitals. Even the smokers could not find cigarettes as the kiosks remained shut.—A Reporter