Traders in Rawalpindi’s Saddar area are set to hold a shutter-down strike and rally on Tuesday, January 7, in opposition to the pedestrianisation of Bank Road. They argue that converting the road into a walking street has disrupted traffic and impacted shopping activity in the commercial hub.
The Central Traders Association (Cantt) President Sheikh Hafeez and General Secretary Zafar Qadri highlighted that inadequate parking facilities have driven customers to Islamabad and other markets. This has led to a sharp decline in business. “Turning Bank Road into a walking street has severely affected shopping activity,” stated Qadri. Rising utility bills and unaffordable shop rents have added to the traders’ challenges, forcing some to lay off employees.
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The rally will begin at 1:30 PM on Bank Road and end at the Cantonment Board office, where traders will announce their next steps. The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with provincial trader associations, will likely support the protest.
Earlier, traders held a press conference on December 30, 2024, announcing the rally on January 6. They later rescheduled it. Their demands aim to address traffic and business concerns arising from the road’s pedestrianisation.
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