Encroachments sprouting on popular market places across Pakistan have been a continuous problem for traders. At Aabpara and Melody markets, things are no different either as the place is swarmed with issues like poor sewage system, encroachments and the absolute dearth of decent parking facilities.
The increasingly invasive encroachments are becoming much more than an eyesore for both the buyers and the traders of two of the oldest and busiest business centres of Islamabad. The illegal stands and carts perched and parked across the pedestrian walkways make it impossible for the passersby to navigate their way through the web of harassing sellers.
For visitors and buyers, this has been a longstanding problem which remains unsolved to-date. According to many affected shoppers, the onus of being too lax with these encroachments befalls on authorities which have chosen to turn a blind eye to them.
According to a visitor, these markets are preferred shopping places for people because of their close proximity to some of the most popular residential colonies of Islamabad. Being such popular spots for shoppers has only encouraged encroachments, making it harder for people to shop peacefully.
Other than that, the sanitary and sewage system has also been a long standing issue for the local traders of the market. Ponds of stinking water repulse people, making it equally hard for shop owners to withstand the stench. Parking poses a similar kind of issue with where people have to drive around the whole market in search of a decent parking spot.
