Rawalpindi’s busy Commercial Market is set to be transformed into a car-free pedestrian zone, offering shoppers a safer and more pleasant environment.
The Punjab government has instructed utility companies to complete underground cabling by December 30 so that the project can move forward smoothly.
The Rs. 300 million initiative aims to improve the market’s overall look and organization. Key steps include removing encroachments, arranging shop signboards neatly, and upgrading the area’s aesthetics.
Officials hope that once completed, the market will be safer for pedestrians and more attractive for visitors.
However, the project has faced delays because utility companies, including Iesco, SNGPL, and PTCL, need to shift their power and communication lines before the beautification work can begin. These delays have slowed progress and frustrated both authorities and shopkeepers.
During a recent review meeting, Minister Hanif Abbasi urged officials to speed up the work so that the beautification phase can start as planned. He emphasized that timely completion would benefit traders, visitors, and the city’s overall appearance.
Traders, meanwhile, have expressed concerns about the ongoing construction, noting that it has reduced customer footfall and affected daily business.
Many hope that the project will be completed quickly so that the market can return to normal while also enjoying its new pedestrian-friendly design.
Once finished, the car-free Commercial Market is expected to become a model urban shopping area in Rawalpindi, combining convenience, safety, and improved aesthetics for residents and tourists alike.
