Divisions that run deep

Islamabad is sharply divided between the haves and have-not. Residents of the capital’s southern areas, which start from Faizabad and ends at Rawat, can be seen struggling for their lives. They live along both sides of the Express Highway. Although the efforts of the government with regard to widening the highway – up to the Airport Chowk – are lauded, the real miseries of the people living in southern Islamabad can be witnessed during prolonged traffic jams at the Judicial Colony, Toot Stop, Lohi Bheer, Kak Pul and Rawat Bazaar bridges. The highway needs to be widened at these points to ease the flow of traffic. If this is not done, the efforts of the government to convert the highway into a signal-free corridor will be meaningless.

In addition, the authorities concerned should also have a look at the living conditions of the people living in southern part of the capital. From Faizabad to Rawat, there are no government hospitals. Private hospitals, operating in these localities, extract money from people as per their will when they fall ill. While some NGOs are helping those in need in these areas, they offer limited facilities. There are no colleges on the route. As a result, young people are deprived of a quality education. Why are these problems invisible for the mayor of Islamabad?

Syed Muzammil Hussain ( Islamabad )