RAWALPINDI:
The temporary employment of about 75,000 workers, who worked as helpers and security staff in shops and commercial centres from 1st of Ramazan to Eidul Fitr across the district, finally came to an end, leaving them jobless once again.
These male and female helpers were paid between Rs18,000 and Rs25,000 for their services throughout Ramazan, provided with Iftar, and even offered a free cup of tea at night. Their shifts lasted 15 hours daily, from 10am to 1am, without a single day off. Some shopkeepers gave them a suit as an Eid gift, and shoe store owners gifted them a pair of shoes.
Due to Chand Raat, markets, plazas, shopping malls, and commercial centres in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained open until 6am. The influx of people, including women and youngsters, was overwhelming, but actual purchasing remained significantly lower than usual.
The customer rush witnessed on Saturday could not be restored on Chand Raat, mainly due to skyrocketing inflation and the departure of out-of-town residents to their native areas.
The crowd of enthusiastic young men was more prominent in markets on Chand Raat. Women primarily purchased bangles, henna, and artificial jewellery, while clothing shops saw minimal sales.
Traffic in city markets remained severely disrupted despite the presence of police, including female officers, who struggled to manage the situation. Despite a ban, thrill-seekers were seen performing one-wheeling on Murree Road and Rawal Road.
Henna shops were packed with women, girls, and students, with stalls set up in every market. Women adorned their hands and feet with intricate henna designs, though the rates were double the usual, ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs1,500. Henna experts were hired for this purpose.
Shopkeepers decorated their stores with vibrant and colourful lights to attract customers. Children dressed in cartoon-like costumes and masks stood at store entrances.
Transport hubs remained deserted on Chand Raat as a large number of out-of-town residents had already departed for their hometowns on Friday and Saturday.
On Sunday, passenger turnout remained low. Local transport services, including rickshaws, taxis, and Qingqi rickshaws, exploited the situation, charging Rs200 instead of the usual Rs100. Bike riders working for Bykea also charged inflated fares, making the most of the opportunity.
