Incomplete work on Commercial Market food street troubles visitors, traders in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi's Commercial Market pedestrian street is experiencing issues for both visitors and traders due to incomplete construction work, which officials claim will be finished in one more month. The project was paused last month due to rain, but has yet to resume, causing inconvenience for those visiting the main market in Satellite Town.

Traders are concerned about the slow progress, as customers are avoiding the market as a result. Saleem Ahmed, a visitor, noted that parking is scarce and traffic congestion has worsened due to the unfinished work. Mohammad Farhan echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the dug-up roads and ongoing construction have been a source of problems for visitors.

Ahmed Ali Khan lamented the dearth of parking spaces and the damaging effects of the construction on the market, located in the garrison city and home to numerous clothing and food outlets. A Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) official stated that they intend to complete the work swiftly, but last month's rain has delayed progress.

The official noted that over 75 percent of the work has been completed thus far, with the remaining beautification tasks expected to be finished next month. Rawalpindi Traders Association President Sharjeel Mir expressed his worry about the delayed beautification work, which he claimed impacts both traders and visitors. He added that people are opting to shop at nearby markets due to a lack of space in Commercial Market.

Anjuman Tajiran Rawalpindi President Shahid Ghafoor Paracha confirmed that construction halted after last month's rain, and that only 15 percent of the work in Raja Bazaar remains incomplete. The official also criticized the RMC for failing to address sewerage line issues and signboard installation in Raja Bazaar.