Eid shopping frenzy peaks in twin cities

Markets remain open till dawn; one-way traffic plans, drone monitoring in place

RAWALPINDI:

With only 24 hours left before Eidul Fitr, shopping activity in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has reached its peak.

Chand Raat will be observed on Friday, with markets, commercial centres, and shopping malls expected to remain open until 6am on Eid day.

Shopkeepers have arranged backup lighting to cope with possible power outages, while security has been strengthened with the installation of 500 CCTV cameras across commercial areas. Drone surveillance will also be used for monitoring.

Two days before Eid, stitched garments, shoes and artificial jewellery shops witnessed massive crowds, while demand for unstitched fabric declined. Retailers displayed "loot sale" signs offering 20 to 30 per cent discounts and decorated shops with colourful lights to attract customers.

Large clothing and shoe brands deployed staff dressed in cartoon costumes at entrances to entertain children. Mehndi and bangle stalls have also sprung up across markets.

To manage traffic congestion, several roads have been declared one-way for the day, particularly in Saddar. Traffic wardens have been deployed at intersections, and barriers have been installed across markets.

In Moti Bazaar, designated as a women-only shopping area, only female shoppers will be allowed entry on Chand Raat, with female police deployed for enforcement.

Major markets, including Raja Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Bara Market, Fawara Chowk, Bohar Bazaar, Bhabra Bazaar and Commercial Market, remained heavily congested.

DC Hassan Cheema said foolproof security arrangements had been made, with civil defence personnel deployed alongside police. Bomb disposal squads are on alert, and strict monitoring is being carried out through surveillance cameras and control rooms. Suspicious individuals will be apprehended.