Commuters sit on bikes at a roadblock leading to the Serina Hotel, as delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to hold peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 11, 2026. REUTERS/Asim Hafeez TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REFILE - CHANGING FROM "HIGH-STAKE TALKS" TO "PEACE TALKS".
Rawalpindi, April 12 (ANI): In an unusual disruption to daily life, major markets across Rawalpindi remained shut over the weekend, severely affecting residents’ access to essential goods. The closures were enforced due to heightened security measures linked to ongoing U.S.-Iran discussions in Islamabad, as reported by Dawn.
Typically, weekends bring crowded bazaars and busy fruit and vegetable markets, but the city presented a deserted scene. Key commercial areas, including Murree Road, Peshawar Road, and areas adjoining Islamabad, were completely closed. Even essential outlets such as milk shops, grocery stores, and tandoors remained shut in several localities, though a few inner-street shops operated sporadically.
Traders said the closures were not voluntary. A shopkeeper from Chaklala Scheme-III stated that police personnel compelled them to shut down after briefly opening in the morning. The Rawalpindi Traders Association confirmed that authorities had directed markets to remain closed on both Saturday and Sunday, in coordination with the district administration and police.
Residents bore the brunt of the restrictions, with many struggling to obtain basic food items. Some were forced to search inner streets for bread and vegetables, while others turned to alternatives such as pulses due to the unavailability of fresh produce and persistently low gas pressure in parts of the city.
The disruption also affected transportation, as reduced public transit increased reliance on private services, where fares surged significantly, Dawn reported.
Authorities defended the measures, citing security concerns. More than 5,000 police personnel were deployed across the city, with over 350 checkpoints set up to monitor movement. Strict surveillance was maintained at entry and exit points, markets, and key roads to ensure the safety of foreign delegations.
While officials described the arrangements as necessary, the sweeping shutdown has raised concerns about disproportionate restrictions and their impact on ordinary citizens, according to Dawn. (ANI)
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