If this market is done away with, people will suffer a lot.
ISLAMABAD: The weekly market in Islamabad was established by the former Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman, Kamran Lashari. Six years ago, this market was located in the centre of Sectors G-8 and G-9. But then, this market was shifted to Sector H-9/3 beside Kashmir Highway due to construction of the 9th Avenue. It was a beautifully designed market constructed with the approval of CDA officials. People of the twin cities visit this market three days a week owing to the cheap rate of goods there.
Now, the CDA has approved a new plan to build the Peshawar Mor interchange.
Officials have asked for the removal of this weekly market without giving any thought to the future of the poor people who earn their livelihood from this market. While signing approval letters to clear up the market, these officials gave no thought to the hardships which might befall those who depend on the market for economic sustenance.
People are earning money for their families through their business in the market. Other than that, several employees of the CDA itself are posted at the market. If this market is done away with, people will suffer a lot. The government is playing with the livelihoods of these poor people.
The government seems to have a rule: it is difficult to remove poverty so remove the poor. We humbly request our elected parliamentarians, the CDA chairman and other government officials that they should think about alternative solutions to this problem. People will not be able to survive without money. If this matter is not immediately addressed, people will come out on the roads to express their legitimate grievances. It is sad to note that we just celebrated Labour Day, but nobody raised a voice for these people.
Usman Anwar
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2014.
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