As the last ten days of Ramazan begin, the markets in Rawalpindi and the cantonment area are witnessing an overwhelming rush, bringing the parking system to a standstill.
Two hours before Iftar, the city's main roads become completely clogged, leaving even ambulances stuck in traffic for hours.
After Iftar, commercial hubs, including Murree Road, Teeli Mohalla, Rehmanabad, Rawal Road, Iqbal Road, Liaquat Road, Bara Market, Raja Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Bohar Bazaar, Commercial Market, Jamia Masjid Road, Dingi Khoi, Banni Chowk, Kalan Bazaar, Purana Qila, Urdu Bazaar, Lal Haveli Road, and Saddar, along with Asia's largest Tench Bhatta Market, become so crowded that walking becomes nearly impossible.
The district administration's claims of widening roads through anti-encroachment operations have proven ineffective.
Although large crowds flock to these markets from sunset until midnight, shopkeepers report a significant decline in actual sales.
The traditional pre-Eid shopping rush has yet to materialise, primarily because government and private sector employees have not received their salaries.
Since Ramazan started on March 2, employees spent their March wages on Iftar and Suhoor expenses.
With Eid shopping beginning only after salary disbursements on March 26, there has been a slow but noticeable increase in purchases.
However, garment, shoe, and artificial jewellery prices have surged by 30-40 per cent compared to last year.
The government employees are finding prices unaffordable, with many leaving stores disappointed.
Shopkeepers said that while there are plenty of visitors, most leave without buying anything due to high prices.
During the day, wholesale markets like Gawalmandi, Ganjmandi, Nankari Bazaar, Hamilton Road, City Saddar Road, Fawara Chowk, Kashmiri Bazaar, Liaquat Road, Jamia Masjid Road, Ghazni Road, and Pirwadhai face chaotic congestion due to heavy traffic and loader vehicles, paralysing the traffic system.
Traffic wardens, though present, are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of vehicles and resort to standing aside, unable to control the situation.
Road rage incidents have become common as drivers jostle to move forward, further crippling the traffic flow.
Many commuters are forced to break their fasts in their cars or on motorcycles due to the gridlock.
With the final ten days of Ramadan expected to bring even worse traffic conditions, traders have suggested making major commercial routes one-way and banning haphazard parking on roadsides to ease congestion.
In Tench Bhatta Market, which is one of the oldest and most crowded in Asia, traffic has become impossible to navigate during office and school hours, as well as in the evenings after Iftar, lasting until midnight.
Measures implemented for Eid rush
The City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi has introduced special measures during the last 10 days of Ramazan and Eid shopping to ensure smooth traffic flow. To manage congestion in busy markets and shopping centres, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Benish Fatima has directed that over 50 personnel from the Traffic Headquarters Race Course be assigned to field duty to prevent traffic issues for citizens.
Key areas receiving extra traffic management support include Commercial Market, Tench Bhatta Bazaar, Raja Bazaar, Saddar, Adiala Road, Sadiqabad, and various shopping malls and commercial centres.
Moreover, Tench Bazaar has been made one-way, and a traffic advisory has been issued on social media to inform the public. CTO Benish Fatima said that traffic management in major markets will be further improved, with strict action against illegal parking, encroachments, and traffic violations to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience for citizens.
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