North Bank Road remains shut as flood threat looms over Peterborough

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan, a protest by local traders occurred on January 7, 2025, against the closure of Bank Road by the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB). The Cantonment Traders Association called for a shutter-down strike that lasted from 2 pm to 4 pm, resulting in all shops in Saddar remaining closed for two hours. The closure was part of RCB's strategy to transform Bank Road into a pedestrian corridor, which traders criticized for lacking adequate traffic management and parking facilities. In response, traders held a protest at Kashmir Road and Bank Road Chowk, demanding the opening of Bank Road and threatening to withhold property tax if their demands were ignored. The situation drew the attention of the cantonment officials, leading to Additional Executive Officer Haider Shuja meeting with the traders. After discussions, an assurance was given that their concerns would be addressed, leading to the cessation of the protest. However, a senior official indicated that the demand to reopen Bank Road might not be accepted, as parking issues were to be resolved without reversing the closure. Overall, the encounter highlights the tension between local businesses and regulatory authorities regarding urban planning decisions.