A sweeping five-day shutdown in Rawalpindi has disrupted daily life, with authorities reportedly citing security measures linked to Iran-US negotiations as justification, The Express Tribune reported. Transport hubs, wholesale markets, commercial districts, hotels and wedding venues were closed, halting trade, education and court proceedings and leaving residents struggling with essential commitments.
Public transport suspension forced many to hire private vehicles at sharply higher fares. Families handling urgent matters, including funerals, often rented entire cars at nearly double the normal rate. The demand surge benefited car dealers and showrooms: of about 1,470 registered showrooms in the city, small vehicles were reportedly fully booked for trips to Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and other destinations. The closure of 34 transport terminals also left hundreds of workers without work.
Although authorities verbally permitted transport to resume on Tuesday evening, fear and low passenger turnout hampered any meaningful restart, with operators reluctant to run services without clear assurances. Strict security enforcement remained across major roads such as Murree Road and Rawal Road, and heavy police presence extended to areas near the airport. Residents within a three-kilometre radius faced severe restrictions, including limited rooftop access, while nearby markets stayed sealed.
Transport Federation leader Haji Zahoor Arain urged a clearer, more balanced approach, advocating controlled operations rather than a blanket shutdown and proposing alternative routes and locations to maintain essential mobility while preserving security, The Express Tribune reported. (ANI)
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