Traders count losses as floods ravage markets

Over 100 shops in Moti Bazaar flooded, ruining expensive garments, fabrics, and artificial jewelry


​ Our Correspondents July 19, 2025 1 min read
Citizens navigate an inundated road in Raja Bazaar following heavy early morning downpour in the twin cities. PHOTOS: APP/INP

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RAWALPINDI:

Torrential rains and subsequent flooding on Thursday devastated five major wholesale markets in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Sabzi Mandi, Bohar Bazaar, and Trunk Bazaar.

Once, wealthy shopkeepers have been reduced to nothing. Over 100 shops in Moti Bazaar — the region's largest women's market — were flooded, ruining expensive garments, fabrics, artificial jewelry, and cosmetics.

Water also entered numerous wholesale medicine stores in Bohar Bazaar, rendering valuable medical supplies unusable.

Electronics, clothing, and toys were destroyed in Trunk Bazaar and Sarai Mughal. Affected traders set up wholesale sales outside their shops to salvage whatever they could by selling damaged items.

Despite Friday being a weekly holiday, shopkeepers took advantage of the sunlight to dry out flood-damaged goods. Low-lying streets and markets were caked in mud and sludge from the receding waters.

Not a single government official or elected representative visited the affected areas, and no facilities were provided in the flood relief camps — no food, no assistance.

Due to lack of government support, residents did not visit any flood camps. No food was provided to any family or household by the district administration. On Thursday night, Jamaat-e-Islami and Alkhidmat Foundation distributed meals in Pirwadhai and Sadiqabad.

Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce President Usman Shaukat visited the affected markets and promised to advocate for a compensation package for traders. Sabzi Mandi Traders Union President Ghulam Qadir Mir questioned why no precautionary measures were taken despite early warnings by the Meteorological Department.

He demanded a mega project to address annual flooding issues instead of hollow assurances.

Naveed Kanwal, leader of Moti Bazaar traders, said water levels inside shops reached up to five feet, destroying all affected items. Traders have started selling damaged stock at low prices.

He urged a permanent solution to the nullah that floods Moti Bazaar annually.

Bohar Bazaar trader Faisal Mahmood shared that medicines stored in high cabinets were spared, but diapers, cotton, and lower-shelf items were destroyed.

Trunk Bazaar's Tariq Waheed Butt said toy shop owners removed packaging and began open sales of salvaged stock. Residents are cleaning their neighbourhoods themselves. Flood-soaked mattresses, bedding, sofas, and clothes were seen drying on rooftops and streets.

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