ICCI to Host Shopping Festival in Islamabad’s Blue Area

Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has announced its plan to host a shopping festival in Blue Area, in collaboration with the Traders Welfare Association, to stimulate business activity and provide consumers with affordable shopping options.

During a meeting with a delegation of the Blue Area Traders Welfare Association, led by President Raja Hassan Akhtar, ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari highlighted the importance of Blue Area as the capital’s largest commercial hub and a key contributor to the national economy. He noted that the festival would encourage trade and attract greater footfall to the market.

Bakhtawari also pointed out persistent challenges faced by traders, especially the acute shortage of parking facilities. He suggested that temporary parking be allowed on the green belt along Fazal Haq Road until the parking plaza project is completed. He further urged the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to resolve long-standing infrastructure issues, including the outdated sewage system and non-functional streetlights.

Raja Hassan Akhtar echoed these concerns, calling for urgent action to improve parking, sewage, and lighting facilities. He also proposed the establishment of a flower market and better tree maintenance to enhance the area’s environment. He assured ICCI of traders’ full cooperation, acknowledging that the chamber’s leadership had strengthened engagement with the business community during Bakhtawari’s tenure.

Khalid Iqbal Malik, Group Leader ICCI, underscored the influential role of the Blue Area Traders Welfare Association in trade politics, noting that its membership surpasses that of other markets. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to supporting traders while stressing that CDA must take proactive steps to address infrastructure concerns.

The ICCI leadership expressed confidence that CDA’s cooperation in resolving these key issues would not only facilitate smoother business operations but also ensure the success of the upcoming festival.