Rawalpindi paralysed after repeated closures amid high-profile visit

The repeated closure and reopening of transport terminals, markets, and commercial centers within the last seven days has rendered business activities in the city paralyzed, on the verge of collapse

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, markets, transport terminals, and other trading places are closed on an emergency basis and re-opened after a period of five hours, as traders, transport operators, marriage halls, and shopkeepers get trapped in a circle of uncertainty generated by the district administration and police.

The trader organizations have staged demonstrations and protested for the closure of their markets and shops two times a day and for being re-opened after a short time instead of a single decision made in accordance with a definite policy.

For a week now, the authorities in the twin cities have been making emergency decisions regarding closure in the afternoon or evenings, claiming that there are important guests visiting the area.

Traders and transporters say the uncertainty has caused severe mental stress and financial losses.

Sudden closures of wedding halls and marquees have also led to cancellations of wedding events, affecting both businesses and families.