Twin cities reopen after 12-day lockdown

Businesses resume, transport restored, daily wage earners breathe a sigh of relief

RAWALPINDI:

After remaining sealed for 12 days due to security arrangements linked to efforts for Iran-US peace talks in Islamabad, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have fully reopened, restoring normal life.

Transport services resumed, markets reopened, and business activities picked up immediately, especially in wholesale markets.

Residents of areas surrounding Noor Khan Chaklala Airbase, including Khanna Road, Shakrial, Islamabad Expressway, Shah Khalid Colony, and Shah Faisal Colony, were allowed to return to rooftops, open windows, and resume daily activities.

Hotels, restaurants, marriage halls, and marquees have reopened, with bookings for weddings and related events restarting. The reopening of transport terminals enabled citizens to travel within and outside the cities.

On Sunday, electronic, jewellery markets, and workshops along Murree Road and Rawal Road opened for the first time after nearly two weeks. Daily wage labourers also resumed work, bringing relief after days of financial hardship.

With goods transport restored, consignments of pulses, sugar, and essential items from Faisalabad and Sargodha began arriving in wholesale markets.

Metro Bus service resumed and witnessed an overwhelming rush on the first day. Universities and colleges reopened after online classes ended. Workers laid off during the transport shutdown, including bus hostesses, drivers, conductors, and labourers, are being called back.

Traders, transporters, and residents expressed happiness over the reopening but strongly criticised the government for the closure.

Trader leaders Hammad Qureshi and Sheikh Waheed said shopkeepers suffered greatly without receiving any government relief.

Sharif Qureshi termed the closure unjustified, while Kamil Shah criticised the shutdown of educational institutions, questioning why local institutions were closed when those in countries at war remained open.