I am writing as a long-time resident of Karachi to express my frustration over the traffic debacle witnessed during the Pakistan vs New Zealand tri-nation series final match at the National Stadium last weekend. While I wholeheartedly support our cricket team, the resulting traffic chaos was simply unacceptable. Despite the police unveiling a detailed traffic plan many fans and commuters disregarded these guidelines. Heavy traffic on key arteries like the routes from Karsaz to Stadium Road and Millennium Mall led to severe gridlock. This not only disrupted daily commutes but also contributed to the rising toll of traffic accidents. The situation near Mai Kolachi, where vehicles were diverted and parked haphazardly, further compounded the problem, risking both public safety and timely emergency response.
As a resident of Karachi, I urge local authorities to enforce traffic regulations more strictly on match days. While sporting events are vital for national pride and economic uplift, they should not come at the expense of everyday commuters. I call for a review of the current traffic management strategies and for stricter penalties for non-compliance to ensure that the excitement of cricket does not turn our roads into chaos.
Alizah Razzak
Karachi