Naveed Raza
The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has rejected a request by stallholders seeking the reopening of the G-6 and H-9 weekly bazaars, stating that both markets will remain closed until all prescribed safety measures are fully implemented and the required no-objection certificates (NOCs) are obtained.
The decision has sparked protests by stallholders at the H-9 Sasta Bazaar, with demonstrators blocking Srinagar Highway to protest the continued closure of the market. The protest disrupted traffic before police intervened and removed the demonstrators from the highway, restoring traffic movement.
According to an official letter issued on October 19, 2026, by Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) Muhammad Tariq Latif, the decision to maintain the closure of both weekly bazaars was taken in light of the findings and recommendations of an inquiry conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.
The letter states that the G-6 and H-9 weekly bazaars cannot be reopened until 100 per cent compliance with the precautionary and protective measures recommended by the inquiry committee has been ensured.
The DMA has also made the reopening of the markets conditional on obtaining NOCs from the Director General of Emergency Services, Islamabad, and the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad. The department has stated that it cannot restore operations at either market without the required clearances.
The stallholders have been advised to implement all recommendations of the inquiry committee in letter and spirit to enable the authorities to proceed further with the matter.
The closure is linked to fire-safety and other protective requirements that the authorities consider necessary before allowing commercial activities to resume. However, the official letter does not specify a date for reopening the markets.
The continued suspension of business activities has prompted stallholders to take to the streets, with traders demanding the reopening of the H-9 market. Their protest culminated in the blockade of Srinagar Highway, prompting police action to clear the road.
Copies of the official letter have been forwarded to the Chairman CDA/Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Chief Officer MCI, Secretary Interior and Director General Emergency Services, CDA, among other officials.
The reopening of the two weekly bazaars remains conditional on full implementation of the prescribed safety measures and the issuance of the required NOCs by the relevant authorities. Until these requirements are fulfilled, stallholders will remain unable to resume their business activities at the two markets.
