Traders in the Saddar's commercial area have announced a shutter-down strike and protest rally on Tuesday in opposition to the pedestrianisation of Bank Road, which they say is causing increased traffic congestion and disrupting business activities.
The protest will culminate at the cantonment board office, where traders plan to announce their next steps.
According to Central Traders Association (Cantt) President Sheikh Hafeez and General Secretary Zafar Qadri, the protest's scope will be expanded by involving the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and trader associations at the provincial level.
In a press briefing following a consultative meeting of the association, General Secretary Zafar Qadri stated that turning Bank Road into a walking street and the lack of adequate parking facilities have severely affected shopping activity in the area.
He claimed that customers now prefer to shop in Islamabad and other commercial markets, leading to a sharp decline in business.
He added that some shop owners in Saddar have already started laying off employees due to their inability to pay salaries.
"Rising utility bills and unaffordable shop rents have further compounded the challenges for traders."
The traders had earlier staged a protest and held a press conference on December 30, 2024, where they announced plans for a rally on January 6.
However, the date was later revised to January 7.
The traders will gather on Bank Road at 1.30pm and march to the Cantonment Board office, where they intend to outline future actions.
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