HBL PSL security irks traders

Owners protest forced closure of businesses around Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

RAWALPINDI:

The district administration has closed down businesses around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium including the Shamsabad Food Streed ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Matches in the garrison city, prompting businessmen to protest the closure.

The Rawalpindi police have declared these businesses a security risk. PSL matches are starting from March 2 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

According to officials, sixty big eateries, 600 shops on Double Road and more than 100 offices of private companies have been closed as part of the security measures.

The move, deemed necessary for security reasons by the Rawalpindi police, has raised concerns among local businessmen who fear substantial losses.

The Union of Double Road Shops, Traders, and Food Street Union leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction through protests. The closure of Double Road, a major thoroughfare, has been implemented for traffic, with barriers restricting access to pedestrians attending the matches.

The closure also extends to Rawalpindi's Allama Iqbal Park entrance on Double Road, where entry is restricted for the duration of the matches.

Shopkeepers on Double Road emphasised the economic impact of this decision, particularly during the approaching Ramadan season when economic activities are traditionally heightened. Faisal Aziz, a shopkeeper, voiced concerns, stating that if adequate security cannot be ensured for the teams, matches should be relocated away from Rawalpindi.

Agha Naveed, another shopkeeper, highlighted the negative consequences on businesses, emphasising that the suspension of economic activities due to the matches and road closures would adversely affect their livelihoods. Mehmood Khan, a shopkeeper, suggested an alternative solution by proposing the relocation of all PSL matches to other cities instead of shutting down markets.

Farooq Nasir, a local food vendor, pointed out that the food market is consistently impacted whenever matches take place. The closure of the food market for an extended period will result in substantial financial losses for businesses operating there. Nasir urged an immediate end to the shutdown and the implementation of strict security standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The concerned shopkeepers and vendors underscored the need to balance security measures with the economic impact on local businesses.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 29^th, 2024.