Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has announced that a shopping festival will be organized in Blue Area in collaboration with the Traders Welfare Association to encourage business activity and provide citizens with reasonably priced shopping options.
ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, while speaking to a delegation of the Traders Welfare Association led by its President Raja Hassan Akhtar, said that Blue Area is the capital’s largest commercial hub and plays an important role in the national economy. He added that the festival would not only promote trade but also attract more visitors to the market.
Bakhtawari pointed out that traders face serious challenges in Blue Area, particularly insufficient parking arrangements. He proposed that temporary parking should be allowed on the green belt along Fazal Haq Road until a permanent parking plaza is built. He also called on the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to resolve civic issues, including outdated sewage systems and non-functioning streetlights.
Raja Hassan Akhtar stressed the need to address infrastructure shortcomings such as parking, drainage, and lighting. He also suggested developing a flower market and ensuring proper maintenance of greenery in the area. He assured ICCI of full cooperation from traders, acknowledging that efforts under Bakhtawari’s leadership had strengthened coordination with the business community.
Khalid Iqbal Malik, Group Leader ICCI, noted that the Blue Area Traders Welfare Association is one of the most influential bodies in trade politics, with a larger membership than other markets. He reaffirmed ICCI’s support for traders and urged CDA to take practical steps to address their concerns.
ICCI leaders said they expect CDA’s collaboration in resolving key infrastructure issues, adding that such measures would not only facilitate business activity but also contribute to the success of the planned shopping festival.