Daily Times

LAHORE: The police did not allow the vendors to set up Gulshan Ravi and Moon Market Sunday bazaars due to security concerns despite rigorous efforts from the vendors to get permission.

Minor quarrels were observed between vendors and the police on the occasion. Several citizens came back to home without purchasing anything from the bazaars. Three among seven Sunday bazaars remained close in the city including Wahdat Colony, Gulshan Ravi and Moon Market. The Wahdat Colony Subday bazaar was not set up due to unavailability of proper place caused by the ongoing work on the establishing Model Bazaar, which would open at the same venue soon.

On Sunday, residents of Samnabad, Iqbal Town, Gulshan Ravi, Mansoora, Multan Road, Muslim Town, Sandah, Chuburji and other areas were unable to purchase essential commodities. On the other hand, local shopkeepers in these areas were not following the rate list, which was issued by the district administration. CDGL spokesman Imran Maqbool talking told Daily Times that the police have taken this decision due to security issues following the Gulshan-e-Iqbal tragedy. He said that this decision was taken last late night due to which the district administration did not inform the vendors on time. He said that Sunday bazaars would open soon after the approval by the police.

Meanwhile, the vendors claimed that their earnings, which they make after hectic efforts, get affected due the closure of these bazaars. They said that the town administrations of respective areas should inform them beforehand so that their fruits and vegetables do not decompose. They said the delay in announcement has caused them to lose money essential to run their households, adding that the police and local administration must expedite efforts to provide foolproof security to citizens, as closure is not a solution.