RAWALPINDI:
With the holy month of Ramadan expected to begin on Thursday, wholesale markets across the city witnessed an extraordinary influx of families, virtually paralyzing traffic in the city’s major shopping malls and bazaars.
Heavy congestion was reported at wholesale grain markets, date market, spice market, vegetable market and major food centers as residents rushed to buy items for sehri and iftar. The heaviest crowds were seen at the date and spice markets.
Due to relatively mild weather this year, demand for juices remained lower than usual. Key commercial arteries including Trunk Bazaar, Ganjmandi, Raja Bazaar, Banni Spice Market, Nirankari Bazaar, Liaquat Road, Jamia Masjid Road, City Saddar Road, Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh, Iqbal Road, College Road, Hamilton Road, Kalan Bazaar, Purana Qila and Dingi Khoi remained paralyzed for hours. Trips that normally take two to three minutes stretched to half an hour, and even walking through markets proved difficult.
Transport fares also increased following recent increases in oil prices, with taxi drivers, rickshaw operators and motorcycle ride services charging inflated fares.
In the vegetable market, record purchases of potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, garlic, ginger and lemons were recorded. In the fruit market, prices of all varieties increased by Rs 50 to Rs 100 per kilogram.
Iftar staples including dates, gram flour, spices, white gram, kidney beans and ingredients for dahi bhallay, chaat and fruit chaat, saw significant price hikes.
Merchants have doubled prices on several popular items compared to last year. Price control magistrates have been criticized for failing to curb inflation during the pre-Ramadan wholesale rush.
Wholesale trade in the date market has concluded with the end of the Ramadan date season, and retail sales will continue as usual. This year, normal quality dates are selling for around Rs 550 per kilogram, while premium varieties range between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, preparations for the first Taraweeh prayers have been completed at mosques across the city, many of which have been illuminated and decorated.
Police have implemented comprehensive security measures for Thursday night prayers. Closed-circuit television cameras have been installed around and inside mosques large and small, covering entrances and exits.
Two police officers will be deployed at each mosque, while larger congregational mosques will have three security personnel, along with Special Branch officers. Passage doors and security checkpoints will also be opened in the main mosques.
