Various traffic signals in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have become the most convenient spots for vendors who sell various items like coconuts, flowers, newspapers, toys and cloths for cleaning vehicles. On most of the signals, vendors between the ages of 15 to 30 are seen luring customers, a majority of them motorists, to purchase their items. A number of vendors said they have little time to attract people when they stop on the signals, but they succeed in selling their items and make good money. They said the beggars operating on some of the traffic signals, create problems for them as people and motorists sometimes mistake the vendors for beggars. A coconut seller at an I-8 signal said he is earning Rs 300 to 400 per day by selling the commodity.
Ahmad Ali, a motorist expressed concern over the emerging trend of signal vendors, saying that it is a risky practice as most of the motorists are in a hurry. A disables newspaper seller at an I-8 signal said he earns well by selling newspapers. He stated that most people buy newspapers from him when they have to travel on long routes.
“It is better to work hard and earn a livelihood for my family instead of begging, as this practice is forbidden in Islam,” he added.
VC urges students to focus on studies: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS AAUR) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Munir, on Monday urged students to focus on their studies. He said this while addressing the annual prize distribution ceremony of the university. He congratulated the position holders and hoped that it will be an inspiration for those who could not take positions.
He said co-curricular activities are a part of academic life. “Students must participate in such activities as these will give them confidence and enhance their abilities,” he added. Students Affair Director Dr Khalid Qureshi presented the annual report and highlighted the achievements of the directorate. The vice chancellor also distributed trophies and certificates among the brilliant students of the year.
Faisal Butt for expediting uplift in Sector I-11 : Prime Minister’s Task Force on Islamabad, Faisal Sakhi Butt on Monday directed Capital Development Authority to expedite the development work in sector I-11, enabling its allottees to start the construction activities. He gave directions to the relevant formations of the Authority, during his visit of the Sector I-11 to inspect the development work underway in the area, where the allottees are waiting for their dream houses since last 22 years.
Faisal Sakhi Butt said that CDA has initiated development process in this sector on the directions of the Task Force which is instrumental towards the rapid development of the sectors stalled since last two decades. He said that this sector was also facing the problems of encroachment and katchi abadis which must be removed at the earliest to extend the development activities in all parts of the sector.
Traffic signals convenient places for vendors
