Murree [Pakistan], March 29 : Traders operating along Murree's Mall Road have launched a forceful protest against the Walled City administration, accusing it of serious inefficiency in executing the long-delayed remodelling project.
The project, initiated over a year ago, remains incomplete, leaving the local business community grappling with mounting financial losses and operational disruptions, as reported by The Express Tribune.
According to The Express Tribune, shopkeepers claim that despite a contract exceeding Rs500 million being awarded, progress has been painfully slow. They alleged that the authorities have shown negligence in overseeing the work and have relied on poor-quality construction materials, further worsening the situation.
These delays have not only hurt daily business activities but also discouraged tourist footfall, a key source of income for Murree's traders. In addition to the incomplete remodelling, traders have raised concerns about the underground electrification component of the project, which also falls under the Walled City administration.
Despite the passage of significant time, the transition of the electrical infrastructure underground has yet to be completed. The existing overhead system remains highly vulnerable, with even mild weather conditions such as rain, snowfall, or strong winds triggering frequent power outages.
These outages have resulted in repeated business interruptions and have caused damage to costly electronic equipment used by shop owners. The traders have warned that continued delays in shifting the electricity system underground could pose serious risks to life and property, holding the administration accountable for any potential mishaps, as cited by The Express Tribune.
The Murree business community has called upon senior government officials, including Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Aurangzeb, along with the Rawalpindi Division Commissioner and the Murree Deputy Commissioner, to intervene immediately. Traders are demanding strict action against those responsible, timely completion of the project, and improved construction standards to prevent further economic damage and ensure public safety, as reported by The Express Tribune.