Traffic chaos as main City roads closed during Raisi’s visit

LAHORE:The city’s law enforcement agencies sprang into action, implementing stringent security measures to ensure the safety of the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

However, the extensive security arrangements resulted in significant disruptions to the city's traffic flow, causing inconvenience to residents and commuters alike. Several major roads in Lahore were closed to general traffic, leading to extensive congestion on adjacent routes and thoroughfares. The closure of vital transportation arteries left citizens grappling with severe difficulties as they attempted to navigate through the city.

Mall Road, a prominent thoroughfare stretching from Cantt to Governor House, and Hall Road to Lower Mall, Greater Iqbal Park, was barricaded by police and traffic authorities. This closure compounded the traffic pressure on surrounding highways, exacerbating the congestion faced by motorists.

Furthermore, Data Darbar Road, a key route leading to Minar Pakistan, was also off-limits to general traffic, resulting in the blockade of adjacent streets such as Darbar and Bilal Ganj. The closure of these vital arteries disrupted the flow of traffic, leaving commuters stranded and searching for alternative routes.

In addition to Mall Road and Data Darbar Road, other important highways including the Azadi Flyover and Ladi Ada were also closed off, further exacerbating the city's traffic woes. With limited access to major routes, citizens were forced to seek alternative means of transportation to reach their destinations.

The extensive security measures implemented by the Lahore police were aimed at ensuring the safety and security of President Raisi and his delegation during their visit to the city. However, the resulting disruptions to daily life underscored the delicate balance between security imperatives and the needs of the public.

As citizens grappled with the challenges posed by the road closures and traffic jams, there was a sense of frustration and inconvenience palpable throughout the city. Despite efforts to mitigate the impact of the security arrangements, the disruptions proved to be a significant inconvenience for residents and commuters alike.

As President Raisi's visit concluded and the security measures were gradually lifted, Lahore began to return to normalcy. The reopening of major highways and thoroughfares brought relief to motorists and pedestrians, signaling the end of the traffic disruptions that had plagued the city during the presidential visit.

The Lahorites were of the view that it is imperative for authorities to strike a balance between ensuring the safety of visiting dignitaries and minimizing disruptions to the daily lives of citizens. As Lahore continues to thrive as a vibrant metropolis, it is essential to prioritize the needs and convenience of its residents while hosting important diplomatic events.