Eid shopping to gain pace on Chaand Raat

Today marks the night before Eidul Azha when citizens will be found rushing to finish last minute preparations for the Eid celebrations.

Eid shopping will be at its peak in both small and big markets, commercial centres and shopping malls of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. To cater to the high demand, all bazaars and centres will remain open till two in the night.

Even yesterday, Saturday, markets were crowded to the brim and traffic clogged intersections and roads, so much so that the traffic system remained suspended and jammed throughout the day near commercial centres, Commercial Market, Moti Bazaar, Raja Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Bara Bazaar, Iqbal Road, Asia's Biggest Tinch Bhatta Bazaar, Adiala Road, Jamia Masjid Road, Pul Shah Nazar, Murree Road, Rawal Road, Bani Chowk, Saidpur Road and all the way from Murree road to Chandni Chowk.

Additionally, the transportation of sacrificial animals also contributed to the traffic jam which persisted till late in the night. In several instances, ambulances got stuck among the busy traffic. Moreover, half of the roads were encroached by carts and stalls selling essential Eid goods in all major markets and centres, and traffic moved slowly due to cars and motorcycles being parked on the roads. Traffic police were present at important intersections, but due to heavy traffic, they too were facing problems in maintaining order.

In preparation of chaand raat, all the roads next to the markets in Saddar have been converted into one-way for this day. A ban has been imposed on illegal parking of vehicles. Additional police personnel from different police stations and traffic police have also been deployed. Violation of the one-way rule will lead to immediate seizure of vehicles and heavy fines.a