RAWALPINDI:
With the holy month of Ramazan set to begin on Thursday, the city’s wholesale markets have seen an extraordinary influx of families, virtually bringing traffic to a halt in the city’s main 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 the relatively mild weather this year, demand for juice remained lower than usual. Major 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 blocked for hours. Journeys that usually last two to three minutes took up to half an hour, while even walking through the markets proved difficult.
Transport fares have also increased following the recent increase in oil prices, with taxi drivers, rickshaw operators and motorbike transport services charging inflated fares.
At the vegetable market, record purchases were recorded for potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers, coriander, garlic, ginger and lemons. In the fruit market, prices of all varieties have increased by Rs 50-100 per kilogram.
Iftar staples – including dates, gram flour, spices, white chickpeas, kidney beans and ingredients for dahi bhallay, chaat and fruit chaat – have seen significant price hikes.
Retailers have doubled prices on several popular items compared to last year. Price control magistrates have been criticized for their failure to curb inflation during the rush to wholesale prices before Ramadan.
Wholesale trading in the date market has now ended with the end of the Ramadan date season and retail sales will continue as usual. This year, regular quality dates are being sold at around Rs 550 per kilogram, while premium varieties are priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, preparations for the first Taraweeh prayers have been finalized at the city’s mosques, many of which have been illuminated and decorated.
Police have put in place comprehensive security measures for Thursday evening prayers. Closed-circuit television cameras were installed around and inside large and small mosques, covering entrances and exits.
Two police officers will be deployed in each mosque, while large congregational mosques will have three security guards, as well as special branch officers. Gates and security checks will also be operational at major mosques.
