Officials talk traders out of protest

RAWALPINDI:

The protest rally and sit-in announced by the Anjuman-e-Tajran Cantt against the slow progress of the underground cabling and beautification project in the commercial area, the removal of parking spaces and the disruption of business activities, have been conditionally postponed.

The decision came after trade representatives were assured by Station Commander Brigadier Ahmed Nawaz and Cantt Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi at the Station Headquarters that the work on Bank Road will be completed within three weeks.

According to details, after the Anjuman-e-Tajran Cantt announced the protest rally and sit-in, the association's president Sheikh Hafeez, General Secretary Zafar Qadri, Munir Baig, Mushtaq Khan, and other trade representatives were invited for negotiations at the Station Headquarters.

During the meeting, the traders' concerns about the slow pace of the project were thoroughly discussed. The traders explained that the delays had severely impacted business activities and that the lack of proper parking space was making it difficult to carry out the project.

In response, the Station Commander and the Cantt Executive Officer assured the traders that the work on Bank Road would be completed within three weeks. He also promised that traders would be consulted during the project and kept involved throughout its implementation.

The traders expressed their support for the beautification project but emphasised that the slow progress and lack of parking arrangements were adversely affecting their businesses.

'Walking street'

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) has voiced concerns over the decision to designate Bank Road in the Saddar Commercial Area as a pedestrian-only 'walking street.'

RCCI President Usman Shaukat expressed his worries about this move's negative impact on local businesses and urged authorities to reconsider.

In a statement, President Usman Shaukat emphasised that the pedestrianisation of Bank Road would hinder customer access, especially affecting women and senior citizens who may find it difficult to navigate the area without convenient parking options.

He stated, "The long-standing parking issue in the Saddar Commercial Area needs an effective solution. RCCI had previously recommended the construction of a parking plaza, yet no action has been taken. Without addressing parking, restricting vehicle access will harm businesses and discourage shoppers."

He further highlighted the high operating costs and rents of shops in the commercial area, stressing that limited customer access will jeopardise sales, impacting not only shop owners but also reducing the area's tax contribution.

"Without business activity, a commercial area loses its vibrancy. It's essential that the station commander and Cantonment Board officials recognize the gravity of this issue," Shaukat said.

President Usman Shaukat called for a collaborative approach, urging authorities to consult with local business stakeholders before making decisions that could disrupt the commercial ecosystem.

"The RCCI platform is available for dialogue of key stakeholders and reaching out to an amicable solution. We urge officials to engage with us to find a balanced solution that addresses both pedestrian comfort and business viability, so we can prevent any situation that could escalate into protests," he added.