Traders in the Saddar area of Rawalpindi have officially urged the federal government to enforce mandatory parking for new plazas before approving any further commercial construction projects in the Rawalpindi Cantonment. The business community argues that the current lack of dedicated parking spaces has turned the city’s primary commercial hub into a traffic nightmare, directly impacting footfall and daily operations.

Why mandatory parking for new plazas is urgent

For years, shoppers and business owners have struggled with the severe shortage of parking in Saddar. As developers continue to build high-rise commercial plazas without providing basement or off-street parking, the burden of vehicle storage falls on the already congested main roads. Traders state that customers often avoid visiting the area entirely because they cannot find a place to park, leading to a significant loss in potential revenue for local shops.

  • Current status: No strict enforcement of parking bylaws for new commercial buildings.
  • Primary concern: Massive traffic jams caused by vehicles parking on main thoroughfares.
  • Proposed solution: A mandatory requirement for developers to include multi-level or basement parking before obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The impact on Rawalpindi Cantonment

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and relevant federal authorities have been urged to re-evaluate their approval processes. Business owners believe that unless the government mandates parking space, the infrastructure of Saddar will continue to deteriorate. The current congestion isn't just a nuisance; it is a bottleneck that hinders emergency services and public transport from moving efficiently through the city center.

What you should do

If you are a business owner or a resident affected by the ongoing traffic issues in Saddar, stay updated on local trade union meetings. These groups are currently coordinating with the Cantonment authorities to present a formal petition. You can monitor the official Rawalpindi Cantonment Board website for any updates regarding building code revisions or public hearing notices.

What to watch next

Keep an eye on the upcoming sessions of the Cantonment board. The government is under increasing pressure to respond to these demands as traffic complaints mount. Whether the authorities will implement a strict policy requiring developers to build parking infrastructure remains to be seen, but the traders' collective push is the strongest move yet to force a change in city planning regulations.