RAWALPINDI – Tensions are rising in the heart of the city as traders from Raja Bazaar have announced a sit-in protest with their families after August 14 if authorities fail to reopen the main road connecting Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road (Dingi Khui).
At a press conference held at the Rawalpindi Press Club, Anjum Pervaiz, President of the Traders Action Committee, slammed the provincial government’s pedestrianisation initiative, claiming it has severely affected over 12,000 shopkeepers operating in the area.
“Business is down, shops are shutting, and traders are being forced to lay off workers. We supported the anti-encroachment and beautification drive, but not at the cost of our survival,” he stated, warning that they will no longer stay silent.
Traders argue that the road closure has paralyzed daily operations, making loading and unloading impossible, especially for those running rented outlets. According to Pervaiz, repeated appeals to the district administration and police have gone unanswered, leaving no option but to protest.
The traders’ ultimatum is clear: reopen the road or face a citywide protest movement.
He added, “This time, we won’t be alone—our families will join us on the streets. And we won’t move until this injustice ends.”
The protest, if carried out, could severely disrupt commercial activity in Rawalpindi’s historic trade hub and ignite a larger debate over urban planning versus business continuity.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.