In order to increase the trade activities in the twin cities of Rawapindi and Islamabad, additional auction platforms, truck stand and allied facilities will be provided to expand the Islamabad fruit and vegetable market.
This announcement was made by Prime Minister’s Task Force on Islamabad Chairman Faisal Sakhi Butt during his visit to the fruit and vegetable market of Islamabad in sector I/11 here on Sunday.
He said the Islamabad fruit and vegetable market, due to its strategic location, could not only play an active role in promoting the trade activities in the twin cities but it can also give an economic boost to the country.
Concerned CDA officials, the representatives of Islamabad Capital Administration (ICT), office-bearers of the traders association and traders operating in the market were also present on the occasion.
He directed the concerned officials to take immediate measures to remove encroachments from the market as they pose serious problems for the visitors and hammer the business activities in addition to painting ugly picture of the this busy trade centre and public facility. There were also serious complaints about sewerage system in the market. The PM task force chief directed for up-gradation and revamping of the sewerage system and replacement of the nonfunctional sewerage lines, placing covers on the gutter and ensuring the smooth flow of the sewage through these lines so that the sewage does not overflow.
He also directed for improving the cleanliness and overcoming the sanitation issues in the market as edible commodities must be kept in quality hygiene environment. The filth and waste being dumped in and around the market be removed immediately as nothing is more important than the human heath.
Speaking to a gathering of the traders of the market, he said the Islamabad fruit and vegetable market had transformed into a regional business hub as traders from four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and FATA were doing business in this market in addition to those coming here from India and Central Asian region.
He said the government was committed to facilitate the business community to help boost the economic activities in the country. He directed the CDA officials to take concrete step to expand the market to make it attractive for the businessmen from the other region of the world through developing this market on modern lines to make it one of the Model Market of the country inline with international standards as this market has acquired the status of a central trade hub of the region due to its ever-increasing trade and business volume. He directed CDA for planning the construction of additional open auction platforms, covered platforms and a separate sugarcane platform facilities. He also asked for setting up a separate truck stand for the goods service for providing and fetching commodities from the market and spacious parking place. He also called upon the traders join hand with concerned authorities for up-gradation and development of this pioneer and largest market of the region.
“Islamabad is also the gateway to the world’s two greatest and oldest trade routes called the Afghan Transit Trade and the Silk Route leading to China. Being truly cosmopolitan further adds to the attractiveness and potentials of the city”, said Fasial Sakhi, adding that the increasing business activities in the fruit and vegetable market involving the traders from across the region including India and Pakistan has supplemented our resolve to turn it in to model city for promoting trade and business in the area to the benefit of the people.
Earlier, representatives of the traders associations informed the Chairman PM Task Force about the problems and grievances and ensured full cooperation in developing fruit and vegetable market into a model market. They demanded a boundary wall around the market to provide better security to the traders, more coved auction platforms, water filtration plant and beautification of the market.
