RAWALPINDI:
With the holy month of Ramazan expected to commence on Thursday, wholesale markets across the city witnessed an extraordinary influx of families, bringing traffic to a virtual standstill in major commercial centres and bazaars across the city.
Heavy congestion was reported in wholesale grain markets, the dates market, spice market, vegetable market and major grocery hubs, as residents rushed to purchase items for sehri and iftar. The most intense crowds were observed in the dates and spice markets.
Owing to the comparatively 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 gridlocked for hours. Journeys that ordinarily take two to three minutes stretched to half an hour, while even walking through the markets proved difficult.
Transport fares also surged following recent increases in petroleum prices, with taxi drivers, rickshaw operators and motorcycle ride services charging inflated rates.
At the vegetable market, record purchases were reported for potatoes, onions, tomatoes, capsicum, coriander, garlic, ginger and lemons. In the fruit market, prices of all varieties rose by Rs50 to Rs100 per kilogram.
Staples for iftar – including dates, gram flour, spices, white chickpeas, red beans, and ingredients for dahi bhallay, chaat and fruit chaat – saw significant price hikes.
Traders have doubled the prices of several popular items compared with last year. Price control magistrates have been criticised for failing to curb inflation during the pre-Ramadan wholesale rush.
Wholesale trading in the dates market has now concluded with the end of the Ramadan dates season, and retail sales will continue as usual. This year, ordinary-quality dates are being sold at around Rs550 per kilogram, while premium varieties range between Rs1,000 and Rs2,000 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, preparations for the first Taraweeh prayers have been finalised at mosques across the city, many of which have been illuminated and decorated.
Police have put in place comprehensive security arrangements for Thursday night’s prayers. Closed-circuit television cameras have been installed around and within both large and small mosques, covering entrances and exits.
Two police officers will be deployed at each mosque, while larger congregational mosques will have three security personnel, along with officers from the Special Branch. Walk-through gates and security checks will also be in operation at major mosques.
