RAWALPINDI: With the holy month of Ramazan entering its final days, the shopping malls and bazaars of the garrison city are abuzz with crowds as people throng these centres for Eidul Fitr shopping.

But, this year, a huge traffic rush is being witnessed in Saddar where the closure of the Mall and Bank Road created traffic issues. The latter has been converted into a pedestrian street.

Traffic going towards Saddar on Murree Road was diverted to Haider Road which created congestion in the evening. Though most people avoided coming to Saddar due to the traffic congestion, visitors in large numbers were witnessed thronging the area after Iftar.

On the other hand, traders of Bank Road reported a dip in sales claiming that most people visited the bazaar for window shopping only.

They claimed that most shoppers visited the Commercial Market in Satellite Town, Giga Mall, Murree Road and other shopping centres.

Despite shopkeepers’ claims of low sales, Eid shopping has brought much relief for businessmen.

In anticipation of high footfall, traders have decorated the shopping malls with lights and flowers to attract customers.

The traffic police have taken special measures to ease traffic during Ramazan.

The main shopping centres including Bank Road, City Plaza, Shahbaz Plaza, Chota Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, China Market, Rabi Centre, Commercial Market, Dubai Centre, GIGA Mall and Murree Road are buzzing with crowds.

The residents, especially, females and children are buying ready-made dresses, shoes, ornaments, cosmetics, bangles and other articles with great enthusiasm.

Popular footwear outlets are also drawing a large number of customers.

Bridal fashion designers are also busy creating new designs, as Eid will be followed by the wedding season.

People have already booked event halls for 3rd day of Eid for the marriage ceremonies.

Bridal dress designers at Murree Road, Moti Bazaar, Commercial Market, PWD and Bharia Town said that the designing of clothing was usually completed before Ramazan.

While talking to Dawn, shoppers, mostly women said that they had already completed their shopping for clothing. However, others said that they were selecting the items being offered at reasonable prices.

Faiza Hussain, a housewife, said that despite online shopping gaining traction, there was an urge for women to go to shopping malls to check new designs and prices.

She said that after Iftar, many families go to bazaars to spend leisure time.

Irum Maqbool, a visitor at Commercial Market, said that she was busy with housework during the daytime and went shopping in the evening after Iftar.

Faraz Ahmed, a shopkeeper at Bank Road said most people visited the bazaars for window shopping only. He claimed his business was down as compared to the last year.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2025