Murree, Pakistan — Traders along Mall Road held protests March 29, accusing the Walled City administration of mismanaging a remodelling project that began over a year ago but remains incomplete. Business owners say the stalled work has disrupted trade and caused escalating financial losses.
Shopkeepers report a contract exceeding Rs500 million was awarded for the renovation, yet progress has been slow. They allege negligence by officials and the use of poor-quality materials, which they say has exacerbated the disruption and hampered the town’s appeal to tourists.
One major concern is the unfinished underground electrification. The planned shift from overhead to subterranean wiring has not been completed, leaving exposed power lines vulnerable to rain, snow and wind. Traders said frequent outages interrupt sales and damage electronic equipment, and warned that continued delay could risk lives and property.
The Murree business community has appealed to senior authorities, including Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Aurangzeb, as well as the Rawalpindi Division Commissioner and the Murree Deputy Commissioner, urging immediate intervention. Their demands include prompt completion of the project, higher construction standards and accountability for those responsible, to restore safety and revive tourism-dependent livelihoods.
