Eid shopping frenzy peaks in twin cities as markets stay open till dawn

ISLAMABAD: The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi witnessed a massive surge in Eid shopping as markets remained open until the early hours of the morning, with authorities deploying one-way traffic plans and drone surveillance to manage the unprecedented rush of shoppers.

Markets buzzing round the clock

With Eidul Fitr just around the corner, commercial centres and bazaars across Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced peak shopping activity, with traders keeping their shops open well past midnight and into the dawn hours to accommodate the massive influx of buyers. The shopping frenzy intensified in the final days before Eid, as residents thronged markets to purchase clothes, footwear, accessories and other festive essentials.

The extended operating hours of markets reflected the heightened consumer demand during the Eid season, with shopkeepers eager to capitalise on the last-minute rush. Major commercial areas in both cities were packed with families and individuals looking to complete their Eid preparations.

Traffic management and security measures

To cope with the heavy flow of traffic caused by the shopping rush, authorities implemented one-way traffic plans in key commercial zones across the twin cities. The measures were aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smoother movement of vehicles in areas that typically experience gridlock during the Eid shopping season.

In addition to traffic management, security agencies deployed drone monitoring systems to keep a watchful eye on crowded market areas. The aerial surveillance was part of the broader security arrangements put in place to ensure the safety of shoppers during the peak Eid shopping period.

Crowds swell in final shopping days

The twin cities' markets saw an overwhelming turnout of shoppers as the festival approached, with buyers flooding commercial hubs to make last-minute purchases. The combination of extended market hours, heavy foot traffic and vehicular congestion presented significant challenges for both the administration and law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining order.

The shopping rush in Islamabad and Rawalpindi mirrored a nationwide trend, as markets across Pakistan experienced similar surges in consumer activity ahead of Eidul Fitr. Authorities in the twin cities worked to balance the commercial activity with public safety, deploying additional personnel and technological tools to manage the situation effectively.

The intensive security and traffic management measures underscored the scale of the Eid shopping phenomenon in the twin cities, where millions of residents converge on commercial areas in the days leading up to the festival.