ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad Expressway experienced a prolonged traffic jam as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) supporters came out on the roads to protest against the ongoing sit-ins on the Constitution Avenue.
Rallies coupled with rain and roadblocks created difficulties for the commuters and motorists. Normal traffic remained suspended for hours on Murree Road and Islamabad Expressway. Most of the public transport also remained off the road.
The diversion and barricades erected at different roads linking Rawalpindi with Islamabad have become a common sight ever since the arrival of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) marches.
Islamabad Traffic Police diverted the normal traffic from Islamabad Expressway to sectors I-8 and H-8. Similarly, Murree Road traffic was diverted to IJ Principal Road and other city roads.
The ongoing PATI and PAT sit-ins have virtually crippled the public life in Islamabad. Public transport, businesses and government offices remain shut with a number of roads blocked with containers.
Many commuters had to walk for miles due to rallies. Razi Khan, a commuter, said that it took him two hours from Dhoke Kala Khan to Zero Point, which normally takes only 30 minutes. He walked and hitched lift to reach the destination.
Many vehicles remained stuck in the jam for hours. Muhammad Nawaz, a motorist, said that it has become a nuisance to travel on Expressway ever since the sit-ins started.
“Normally, I reach office in 20 minutes but since the protests have stared, it takes about one and a half hour due to traffic jam and additional security checks,” said Asif Ali, who works at a private office at Zero Point.
“The protests have only added to our problems,” remarked another commuter.
The sit-ins have also taken toll on business. A number of shops in Islamabad remain closed due to heightened security situation. Daily-wage earners have also suffered because of business closures.
The sit-ins have also affected the academic schedule and school and colleges vacation have yet again been extended by another week in Islamabad.
PML-N supporters take to streets in Rawalpindi
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters on Monday took to Murree Road to protest against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) sit-ins.
The rally started from Committee Chowk and culminated at Fiazabad Chowk.
Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, thousands of PML-N workers from the garrison city vowed to continue their struggle “to protect the democracy”.
PML-N leader and Member National Assembly Malik Ibrar, former MNA Malik Shakeel Awan and other local leaders led the rally.
The speakers said that democracy cannot be derailed through the ongoing sit-ins and said the prime minister will not resign. They said a few thousand people cannot force an elected prime minister to resign. They said the National Assembly and the Senate have passed unanimous resolutions in support of the prime minister and democracy. Normal traffic remained suspended on Murree Road for hours because of the rally. Traffic was diverted to IJP Road, Islamabad Expressway and other roads.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2014.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ