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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe two most recognisable marketplaces in the garrison city are expected to become tourist attractions and showcase the culture of the Potohar region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past, cart pushers sold fruits, sunglasses, baseball caps, second-hand garments and other items on the roads of these bazaars. Footpaths and verandas were encroached upon by shopkeepers, while uncovered electric wires hanging from lampposts posed a threat to residents.A louvre has been fixed to mask areas, especially electric transformers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, over the last year, the district administration has transformed these areas into car-free zones to beautify Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market, attract tourists and provide visitors with a more comfortable shopping environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The district administration closed the road from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi in February 2025, and the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) started work on the project at a cost of Rs470 million.Iron gates have been installed on both sides of the pedestrian street. These gates will remain closed from 6am to 10pm and will open at night so that shopkeepers can bring their goods on vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the scheme, electric, telephone and internet cables have been laid underground, old lampposts replaced, benches installed, separate washrooms for men and women constructed, old buildings restored, green plants added and shop signboards redesigned to improve the overall appearance of the bazaar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although visitors and shopkeepers faced difficulties during the construction work over the past year, the beautification project is now taking shape and attracting people to spend their evenings in the area.A fountain is being constructed on the junction of three main roads in Commercial Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road, visitors can now see buildings with a refreshed appearance. The RMC has also developed sitting areas surrounded by flower beds and trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema told Dawn that converting Raja Bazaar into a pedestrian street had permanently addressed three major issues: encroachments, the problem of dangling electricity, telephone and internet wires, and the overall appearance of the bazaar.An overview of Commercial Market, which is being developed in an L-shape pedestrian street. \u2014 Photos by Mohammad Asim<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said the purpose of the initiative was to facilitate pedestrian movement, minimise accidents and improve air quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy transforming this location into a walking street, the government is addressing not only the issue of mobility but also tackling environmental concerns,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said the pedestrian street would provide residents with better recreational opportunities within the city limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRaja Bazaar is visited by people from Jhelum, Attock and Azad Jammu and Kashmir for shopping, and it will now provide them with a better environment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Cheema said the project had been a difficult task as electricity and telephone cables had to be laid underground, while new water supply and sewerage lines were also installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt took a year, but the area has acquired a new look for the first time in the history of the garrison city,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the successful beautification of the two areas, Dr Cheema said the district administration planned to improve more bazaars and streets in the city during the 2026-27 fiscal year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have selected Sabzi Mandi, Bazaar Talwaran, Urdu Bazaar, Bohar Bazaar and Mochi Bazaar, while work will also begin in Sadiqabad. By the end of this year, people will see a different Garrison City – neat, clean and green,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RMC Municipal Officer Rafaqat Gondal told Dawn that the project cost Rs450 million. Of this amount, Rs170 million was provided to Iesco for underground electricity cables, Rs50 million to WASA for relocation of water lines, while Rs250 million was spent by the RMC on beautification and the construction of roads, footpaths and drains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regarding the Commercial Market Satellite Town pedestrian street, Mr Gondal said beautification work worth Rs370 million would be completed by the end of June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGates have been installed at both ends of the road. Durable tiles have been laid, decorative lampposts installed and benches placed for visitors,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added that the road would remain closed to vehicles from morning until 10pm and would reopen at night to allow traders to load and unload goods for their shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-91.png\")
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