Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has announced plans to organize a shopping festival in Islamabad’s Blue Area in collaboration with the Traders Welfare Association to promote business activity and offer consumers affordable shopping opportunities.
Speaking to a delegation of the Traders Welfare Association, Blue Area, led by its President Raja Hassan Akhtar, ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari emphasized that Blue Area is the capital’s largest commercial hub and plays a key role in the national economy. He said the festival would help boost trade activities while attracting more visitors to the market.
Bakhtawari highlighted the pressing issues facing traders in Blue Area, particularly the shortage of parking facilities. He suggested that parking be temporarily allowed on the green belt along Fazal Haq Road until the construction of a dedicated parking plaza. He also urged the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address long-standing problems such as outdated sewage systems and non-functional streetlights.
Raja Hassan Akhtar called for urgent attention to the market’s basic infrastructure, including parking, sewage, and lighting, and proposed setting up a flower market and proper tree maintenance in the area. He assured ICCI of full support from traders, acknowledging that efforts during Bakhtawari’s tenure had improved engagement with the business community.
Khalid Iqbal Malik, Group Leader ICCI, said the Blue Area Traders Welfare Association holds significant influence in trade politics, with membership exceeding other market associations. He reiterated ICCI’s commitment to supporting traders and stressed that CDA must play a proactive role in resolving their concerns.
The ICCI leadership said they expect CDA’s cooperation in addressing key infrastructure challenges, which would not only ease business operations but also make the planned festival a success.
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