ISLAMABAD: As the holy month of Ramazan unfolds, Rawalpindi’s historic Kartarpura Food Street springs to life each night, drawing food lovers from across the city for an unforgettable Sehri experience. Known for its rich culinary heritage, the vibrant food market has undergone two significant transformations this year—enhanced accessibility and the introduction of digital payments.
A streamlined food street for a better experience
Authorities have taken major steps to improve the crowded yet beloved food hub, ensuring a smoother experience for visitors.
“All food stalls and pushcart vendors have been relocated to the New Kartarpura Food Market, which is now set up under the Chandni Chowk flyover,” said a traffic police officer stationed at Kartarpura. “This has freed up space in the original food street, making it easier for visitors to move around.”
Additionally, traffic management has been strengthened. “We close the street with barriers after midnight, even restricting motorcycles. This prevents congestion and ensures an uninterrupted flow of people,” the officer added.
Digital payments arrive in Kartarpura
In a game-changing move for both vendors and customers, JazzCash has introduced digital payment options at the food market, bringing a touch of modern convenience to this traditional street food haven.
Handling cash in a crowded marketplace has long been a challenge for vendors. “Last year, someone handed me a fake Rs5,000 note, and I didn’t notice it in the rush,” said Muhammad Haider, a vendor from Lahore who sells traditional fried batoore. With digital payments, he no longer has to worry about counterfeit currency or carrying large sums of cash late into the night.
For visitors, the introduction of digital transactions means added security. “With mobile payments, I don’t have to worry about pickpockets in the rush,” said a customer enjoying his Nihari and lassi at one of the stalls.
JazzCash spokesperson Khayam Siddiqui emphasized that the move aligns with global trends and government policy toward a cashless economy. “We are offering incentives to both vendors and customers to promote digital payments,” he said. “While upmarket vendors have already installed QR codes, we aim to increase digital literacy among small-scale food sellers to help them transition smoothly.”
A Sehri destination like no other
Kartarpura Food Street has become a social hub during Ramazan, where groups of friends and families gather to relish authentic flavors that are hard to find elsewhere in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Some of the most sought-after delicacies include:
- Nihari & Paya – Slow-cooked and rich in spices
- Varieties of Chickpeas & Black Gram – Perfect with warm naan
- Batoore & Poori – Light and crispy fried bread
- Lassi (Salty & Sweet) – The ultimate thirst quencher, attracting vendors from Lahore and Gujranwala
However, as Ramazan nears its end, Kartarpura begins to quiet down. Most vendors return to their hometowns in the last week before Eid, leaving the street eerily silent until next year’s Ramazan festivities bring it back to life once again.
For now, as the city’s food lovers continue to flock to Kartarpura for Sehri, the blend of tradition and technology is making this year’s experience more enjoyable than ever before.
