Eid shopping spree sparks traffic woes

Pickpocketing cases surge with spike in shoppers’ footfall in twin cities

RAWALPINDI:

As the final days of the fasting month of Ramazan begin and salaries are disbursed to government and private sector employees, Eidul Fitr shopping has surged in both major and minor commercial hubs across Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

This uptick in shopping activity has led to a challenging situation regarding parking, with vehicles and motorcycles causing congestion in markets and commercial areas, disrupting traffic flow. The disorderly parking has not only paralysed transportation systems but has also resulted in heightened mental stress among pedestrians. The absence of traffic wardens has further exacerbated the traffic woes, contributing to an escalating problem.

With the increase in shopping enthusiasm, incidents of pickpocketing and theft from women's handbags have also been reported. The influx of shoppers has prompted the establishment of numerous stalls offering bangles, artificial jewellery, and henna across the city's markets, with henna stalls set to open the upcoming Friday.

Key commercial areas such as Murree Road, Saddar, Raja Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Commercial Market, Supermarket, Jinnah Super, Blue Area, Karachi Company, Abpara Market, and Asia's largest Tinch Bhatta Bazaar have witnessed a surge in customer footfall.

This influx has resulted in frequent traffic jams on major thoroughfares. Operating hours for commercial establishments have been extended until 2am, contributing to the bustling atmosphere and making even pedestrian movement challenging due to the crowds.

After Iftar, starting from 7:30pm, shoppers and families with children have been flocking to the commercial areas, continuing their shopping activities well into the night. Shopkeepers have adorned their shops with vibrant lights, flags, and balloons to attract customers, with cartoon characters adorning the entrance gates of major shopping centres, captivating the attention of children who joyfully take selfies with them.

In addition to the surge in Eid shopping, commercial areas have also seen an influx of professional beggars, despite bans against begging. The traffic police have noted that the Eid shopping rush began on Monday and anticipate converting major commercial centres into one-way routes temporarily to alleviate traffic congestion.

Efforts will be made to eliminate illegal roadside parking, enforcing mandatory parking only in designated areas. Additional traffic wardens have been deployed to major commercial centres to manage these responsibilities effectively, starting from Tuesday.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2024.