The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has shut down all weekly Bazaars in Islamabad, including those in sectors H-9 and G-6, citing inadequate fire safety arrangements. The sudden closure has sparked strong protests from traders, who claim they have invested millions of rupees out of pocket to improve safety arrangements.
They have questioned the decision, arguing that the markets were closed despite their efforts to comply with safety requirements. According to a CDA notification, the markets will remain closed until the required safety measures are implemented and fire safety clearance is obtained.
The sudden closure has sparked strong protests from traders, who claim they have invested millions of rupees out of pocket to improve safety arrangements. They have questioned the decision, arguing that the markets were closed despite their efforts to comply with safety requirements.
Trader representative Asif Malik said shopkeepers had independently arranged security guards and implemented other necessary safety measures. He added that traders discovered closure notices posted at the markets when they arrived, despite the CDA making no financial contribution to these arrangements.
The traders warned that the closure would cause serious financial hardship, as their livelihoods and household expenses depend entirely on income from their businesses. They said they could not afford to keep their shops closed even for a single day.
The closure has also concerned citizens who rely on weekly markets for affordable goods amid rising inflation. With these markets shut, consumers may have to purchase daily essentials and household items from other outlets at significantly higher prices.
Trader representatives have demanded the immediate reopening of the markets, claiming that the authorities took the decision without conducting proper inspections. They insist that the necessary safety arrangements have already been made and have called on the CDA to review its decision.