Traders of the central Anjuman Tajiran in Rawalpindi Cantonment have warned that prolonged closure of Bank Road has crippled business activities, leaving thousands of shopkeepers and workers struggling for survival.
They said major brands are shutting down their outlets, while customer traffic has drastically reduced due to parking shortages and accessibility issues.
The concerns were voiced by Anjuman Tajiran Cantt President Khan Mushtaq, General Secretary Wajihuddin Khan, Vice President Sheikh Tariq Ameen, Senior Vice President Chaudhry Khurram, and Senior Vice President Malik Naveed Munna.
They said that since the closure of Bank Road, businesses have faced severe disruption.
Customers are discouraged due to a lack of parking and security, leading to a rise in motorcycle theft. The designated parking facility accommodates only 250 vehicles, insufficient for thousands of buyers, forcing many to shift shopping to other markets.
Khan Mushtaq said falling revenues have made survival difficult for traders and workers, while major brands have already relocated. He criticised the administration for imposing the closure without consulting stakeholders.
Wajihuddin Khan said traders are drowning in debt, with many unable to pay employees.
"The closure has increased crime and immoral activities," he added. Chaudhry Khurram noted that businesses worth billions are shutting down, leaving loan-burdened traders unable to make repayments.
Malik Naveed Munna warned that the closure has damaged Rawalpindi's commercial reputation, while Sheikh Tariq Ameen said even access to Cantt General Hospital for ambulances has become difficult, putting lives at risk.
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