Awareness walk highlights threats to environment

Participants hail transformation of Bank Road into pedestrian-only street

RAWALPINDI:

An environmental awareness walk was held at the first commercial walking street on Saddar's Bank Road to sensitise the public about environmental threats exacerbated by climate change.

The walk was organised under the supervision of the Military Lands and Cantonments Department of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board.

The event was attended by members of the National Assembly Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Malik Abrar Ahmed, and Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, along with Station Commander Brigadier Ahmad Nawaz, Cantonment Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi, and schoolchildren.

During the briefing, officials highlighted that Saddar walking street has become more vibrant at night. Previously, overhead power lines and poles cluttered the area, but these have now been placed underground.

Four designated parking areas have been set up for shoppers, making the street more accessible, particularly for women.

The renovation of Bank Road has given it a fresh look.

MNA Hanif Abbasi stated that investors worldwide are turning to Pakistan.

He emphasised that the transformation of the pedestrian street would boost business activities.

The project, completed in two years with the cooperation of traders, has also led to the declaration of Bank Road as a traffic-free zone.

Abbasi noted that after two years of effort, encroachments were removed, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a developed country.

He added that women can now shop in a peaceful environment without traffic congestion.

Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry described the project as the first of its kind in the country, where power lines have been placed underground.

He credited the cantonment board for its efforts in executing the plan, which benefits both traders and the public.

Future plans include establishing a food street and a book market in the area.

MNA Malik Abrar Ahmed stated that when the project was initiated, traders were taken into confidence. He highlighted that under the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government, infrastructure projects like motorways, metro bus services, and hospitals have been a priority.

He invited critics to visit the site with their families to witness the transformation first-hand.

Cantonment Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi announced that the first phase of Bank Road's transformation has been completed, including the underground wiring and the shift to a traffic-free zone. The second phase will involve transforming other areas while preserving the historical essence of significant locations.

Traders contemplate protest

On the other hand, traders' organisations across Rawalpindi Cantonment Board have completed consultations regarding the traffic issues caused by the conversion of Bank Road into a walking street. Business representatives are set to hold a joint press conference soon, where they will announce the date for a shutter-down strike in protest against the road closure.

The Central Traders Association of Rawalpindi Cantonment convened an emergency meeting to discuss their grievances against the traffic restrictions on Bank Road.

The meeting, chaired by Sheikh Hafeez, was attended by representatives from all major trader organisations in the cantonment, including Munir Baig Mirza, Munir Mughal, Zafar Qadri, Mushtaq Khan, Muhammad Niaz Awan, and Aniq Shah, among others. During the meeting, it was unanimously decided to enforce a complete shutter-down strike across the cantonment.