Rawalpindi : On Saturday, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad once again found themselves engulfed in traffic turmoil as a protest, this time organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) at Liaquat Bagh, caused widespread road blockages. Commuters were left stranded for hours, and the authorities’ response appeared harsher than usual, with police even warning journalists covering the event to leave or face consequences.
The disruption extended across major entry and exit points of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including T-Chowk near Rawat, Soan Bridge, Mareer Chowk, Murree Road, Faizabad, Zero Point, and others, with containers and trucks blocking key roads. The situation forced countless individuals to walk long distances, seek alternative routes, and deal with rising fuel costs, compounding the financial stress caused by inflation.
In addition to the chaos on major roads, commuters seeking alternative routes through smaller streets and inner roads connecting to Murree Road faced further frustration. These narrow lanes, usually manageable under normal circumstances, became choked with traffic as drivers scrambled to find ways to bypass the blocked main roads. The lack of planning exacerbated the situation, creating bottlenecks in residential areas that are not equipped to handle such volumes of traffic. Many drivers found themselves stuck for hours, with gridlock reaching residential neighborhoods that are normally peaceful.
Traders operating in the main commercial hubs along Murree Road and surrounding areas expressed their frustration, bemoaning the lack of business due to the closure of roads. The blockages not only drove customers away but also resulted in significant financial losses for local businesses, adding to the economic strain felt by traders in an already struggling market. “It’s not just us losing out on sales; the national exchequer is also affected as businesses are forced to shut down for the day or work at half capacity,” said one trader from Raja Bazaar, reflecting the widespread economic impact of the blockade.
The working class was also hit hard, with countless employees, shopkeepers, and laborers struggling to reach their offices and shops on time. The time lost in navigating through blocked roads and crowded alternative routes translated into reduced productivity, with many workers arriving hours late. “We can’t afford this kind of disruption,” said a frustrated shop owner in Saddar. “It’s not just the traffic; it’s the time, the fuel costs, and the loss of business that hurts us. We are already struggling with rising inflation, and now these blockades are making things worse.”
An elderly couple, visibly exhausted from their journey due to road blocks, found themselves stranded at one of the police barriers near Murree Road, where officers refused to let them pass despite their repeated pleas as they have to travel to Kallar Syedan. Frustrated and helpless, they were left with no choice but to turn around and attempt a lengthy, uncertain detour, adding to their stress and fatigue.
The recurring chaos from such political events highlights not only the lack of coordination and planning by authorities but also a growing disregard for the public’s well-being. At a time when people are already struggling with the soaring cost of living, the additional financial burden of wasted fuel and lost working hours is unacceptable. Businesses losing revenue during these rallies also have a ripple effect on the economy, contributing to broader financial losses.
Local authorities need to take a responsible stance and mitigate the disruption caused by political gatherings to avoid exacerbating the public’s frustration. Instead of haphazard blockades that cripple the city, authorities must develop a comprehensive traffic management plan that allows political rallies to proceed without paralyzing daily life. Proper advance communication, well-managed traffic diversions, and ensuring business continuity should be a priority in any such event to protect the interests of the public and the economy alike.
In a city where both the public and traders are already dealing with numerous challenges, the need for thoughtful, proactive governance has never been more critical.