Businesses reopen, transportation is restored, daily wage earners breathe a sigh of relief
Police officers patrol a market in the Federal B area during the micro-smart lockdown that was imposed in four towns in the city in January. Photo: file
RAWALPINDI:
After being sealed off for 12 days due to security arrangements linked to Iran-US peace talks efforts in Islamabad, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have fully reopened, restoring normal life.
Transport services resumed, markets reopened and business activities immediately picked up, especially in the wholesale markets.
Residents of areas around 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, wedding halls and marquees have reopened and bookings for weddings and related events have resumed. The reopening of transport terminals allowed citizens to travel within and outside the cities.
On Sunday, electronic, jewelery markets and workshops along Murree Road and Rawal Road opened for the first time after almost two weeks. Daily wage workers also resumed work, bringing relief after days of economic hardship.
With goods transport restored, shipments of pulses, sugar and essential items from Faisalabad and Sargodha began arriving at the wholesale markets.
Metro Bus service resumed and saw an overwhelming rush on the first day. Universities and colleges reopened after online classes ended. Workers who were laid off during the transport shutdown, including bus hostesses, drivers, conductors and laborers, are being called back.
Traders, transporters and residents expressed joy at the reopening, but strongly criticized the government for the closure.
Trade leaders Hammad Qureshi and Sheikh Waheed said shopkeepers were suffering a lot without receiving any relief.
Sharif Qureshi termed the closure unjustified, while Kamil Shah criticized the closure of educational institutions and questioned why local institutions were closed when in countries at war they remained open.
