Life normalises after Eid shutdown

RAWALPINDI:

Following the conclusion of the five-day Eidul Fitr holidays, all wholesale markets, goods transport terminals, fruit and vegetable wholesale bazaars, commission markets, shopping centres, and commercial plazas across the city fully reopened on Tuesday, restoring business, commercial, and social activity in the twin cities to normal.

The closure of markets during the holidays had left daily-wage labourers without work; however, with the reopening, their livelihoods have also resumed. Across the district, roadside eateries, food stalls, and pushcart vendors have likewise returned to routine operations.

With wholesale markets reopening, supply chains for fruits and vegetables have been restored, leading to a noticeable decline in prices. Similarly, the supply of chicken has normalised, bringing prices down from Rs750 per kilogram during Eid to Rs550 per kilogram.

Vegetable prices have also dropped by approximately 20 to 30 per cent. Street vendors selling produce in neighbourhoods have become active once again, while the reopening of tandoors and grocery shops has further revived commercial activity.

The reopening of markets, goods transport services, offices, and district courts has resulted in a resurgence of traffic congestion across the city. Traffic enforcement has also intensified, with fines for motorcyclists and motorists resuming at full pace.