Hawkers’ bazaar to be set up

Project aims to secure livelihoods, improve traffic

JARANWALA:

The district administration is set to establish a “Hawkers Bazaar” for pushcart owners and vendors, aiming to boost the street economy in an organised manner.

This initiative marks the first of its kind in the 134-year history of Faisalabad.

During a media briefing, Commissioner Silwat Saeed announced that approximately one and a half acres of official land near the fish farm on Satiana Road have been allocated for the relocation of hawkers.

These vendors, who individually earn between Rs2,000 to Rs3,000 per day, collectively generate about Rs1.5 annually as retailers.

Saeed highlighted that hawkers are often removed from pavements by municipal administration, police, or anti-encroachment staff without compensation or relocation space, leading to significant losses for hawkers, middlemen, and manufacturers.

This displacement negatively impacts Faisalabad’s economy, particularly its informal sector.

The commissioner emphasised that previous anti-encroachment drives, which impose fines on hawkers, have been ineffective, as hawkers quickly return to encroachments, causing ongoing issues for pedestrians and municipal staff.

Civil society activist Ahtsham Randhawa estimated that there are roughly 60,000 hawkers in the city who rely on moving vehicles, pushcarts, and donkey-carts for their livelihoods.

He stressed the need to provide secure rental spaces for these hawkers in a way that does not obstruct pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Randhawa noted that studies and designs have shown this is feasible.

Muhammad Zubair Watto, Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Corporation (MC), reported that efforts are underway to initiate the Hawkers Bazar at the designated site.

Land ownership matters are being sorted out with the revenue department to expedite the project. Watto said the project would generate significant income for the MC and improve traffic flow for commuters and goods transportation. Surveys are being conducted on major thoroughfares to allocate spaces for hawkers near their residences, aiming to reduce congestion and population density.

He expressed confidence that hawker registration would be completed soon. This initiative is expected to provide much-needed stability and organisation for Faisalabad’s street vendors, contributing positively to the city’s economy and infrastructure.