Itwar Bazar: Where Tradition Meets Savings
Tayyab Zarif
Islamabad: Nestled in the heart of Islamabad’s H-9 sector, Itwar Bazar—also known as the Sunday Market—has long been a vibrant shopping destination, offering a diverse range of affordable goods to residents of the capital.
From fresh produce and second-hand clothing to electronics, household items, and street food, the bazaar has something for everyone. Operating on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, this bustling marketplace remains an integral part of the city’s commercial and cultural landscape.
A Market for All
Shoppers at Itwar Bazar can browse through an eclectic mix of products, including seasonal fruits, vegetables, aromatic spices, used garments, toys, gadgets, and essential homeware. The market is also a hotspot for food lovers, with street vendors serving up local delicacies that add to the bazaar’s lively atmosphere.
With a total of 2,743 stalls, the market is meticulously organized into sections labeled A to H, ensuring ease of navigation for visitors. According to Kamran Raza, the in-charge of the bazaar, special efforts have been made to create an inclusive space, particularly for women entrepreneurs.
Approximately 100 to 150 stalls have been reserved for female vendors, offering them a platform to independently manage their businesses and contribute to the local economy.
“The allocation of stalls is carried out through a transparent balloting system, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all vendors,” Raza stated. This system helps maintain an organized distribution process, preventing disputes and ensuring a balanced market structure.
Urban Growth Challenges
Over the years, Itwar Bazar has faced several transformations, especially with the expansion of Islamabad’s infrastructure. The construction of the metro bus station at the H-9 stop led to the demolition of several stalls along the Metro Bus route. While this disruption temporarily impacted vendors, the administration made efforts to relocate affected businesses within the market.
“During the construction of the metro stop, some stalls in Section A were demolished, but they were later relocated within the same section,” Raza explained. Adjustments like these highlight the bazaar’s resilience and its ability to adapt to urban changes without losing its essence.
Fair, Green, Affordable
The Itwar Bazar administration has implemented strict price regulations, particularly for essential goods like fruits and vegetables. A price list is determined and distributed to stall owners, ensuring compliance and protecting consumers from unfair pricing.
Beyond commerce, the market has also taken significant steps toward sustainability. In a bid to reduce environmental pollution, the use of single-use plastic bags has been strictly banned.
This initiative not only aligns with Islamabad’s broader environmental goals but also enhances the shopping experience by promoting a cleaner and greener marketplace.
A Thriving Economic Hub
With approximately 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles moving in and out of the market area, especially on Sundays, Itwar Bazar continues to be a major commercial hub in the city. Its affordability, accessibility, and wide variety of products draw in thousands of shoppers, reinforcing its importance in Islamabad’s economic ecosystem.
Despite the challenges posed by urban development, Itwar Bazar remains a testament to the city’s evolving commercial culture. By embracing sustainability, inclusivity, and fair trade practices, this age-old marketplace continues to thrive, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity in the heart of the capital.
