Public pay the price for rally roadblocks

Rawalpindi:Road blockages in Rawalpindi and Islamabad caused by political rallies have once again inflicted great inconvenience on the twin cities’ commuters. On Sunday, thousands of citizens were forced to endure hours of frustration as containers were placed and trucks were parked at 29 entry and exit points of the twin cities including T-Chowk near, Rawat, Soan Bridge, Mareer Chowk, Murree Road, Faizabad, Zero Point, Lehtrar Road, Khanna Pull, Peshawar Morr, Tarnol, Golra, Taxila, due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf rally at Sangjani. The situation forced many people to walk long distances, take alternative routes, and spend more on fuel at a time when rising prices are already squeezing household budgets.

The chaos caused by such rallies not only highlights the lack of planning and coordination between authorities but also reveals an alarming disregard for the public’s time and financial wellbeing. At a time when inflation is soaring and people are struggling to meet daily expenses, it is unconscionable to add an extra financial burden through fuel costs and wasted work hours due to poorly managed traffic. The current situation calls for a firm stance: it is time the authorities acted responsibly to minimize the disruption caused by political events.

This scribe personally experienced the inconvenience caused by the road blockages on Sunday in Rawalpindi. Upon arriving at his office, located along Murree Road, he was confronted by a policeman guarding a blockade as large trucks had been parked at an intersection right in front of the building. The policeman instructed this scribe to park his bike at a considerable distance. Concerned for the safety of his vehicle, he questioned him, who would take responsibility for his bike until he finished his shift at 10 pm. The policeman’s silence was telling-there was no plan in place to ensure the safety of the commuters’ property. With no alternative, this scribe was forced to drag his bike down a staircase with the help of his office’s security guard, enduring unnecessary strain and frustration. This incident not only reflects the lack of foresight in managing such blockades but also highlights the personal toll they take on individuals who are simply trying to carry out their duties amidst the chaos.

The authorities must develop a comprehensive traffic management plan whenever a political rally or public gathering is anticipated. It is not enough to simply place roadblocks and ask commuters to find alternative routes. A well-thought-out plan must ensure that major arteries are not closed off altogether and that accessible routes remain open, allowing traffic to flow smoothly.

One key measure should be the advance dissemination of information to the public. If road closures are necessary, the public should be informed through mass communication channels like radio, television, and social media. This will allow people to plan their routes ahead of time, minimising chaos and confusion.

Moreover, authorities should assign adequate police personnel to manage traffic, particularly at intersections and key choke points. Traffic wardens must be proactive in guiding people, ensuring that bottlenecks are cleared quickly, and providing assistance to those unfamiliar with the detours. The absence of such coordination only adds to the stress, and it reflects a lack of readiness on the part of traffic authorities.

Alternatively, if managing traffic during rallies is too challenging, the government should consider declaring a local holiday on the day of the event. This would allow residents to stay at home, avoiding the hassle and inconvenience of blocked roads and heavy traffic. Given the frequency of political rallies in the twin cities, this might be the most practical solution, at least in the short term. A holiday would also prevent economic losses for businesses, commuters, and those relying on public transport, as it would give people the choice to plan accordingly rather than be blindsided by road blockages.

The people of Rawalpindi deserve better. For too long, they have been at the mercy of political showmanship and poor governance. Political rallies are a democratic right, but they must not come at the cost of public comfort and security. The government and local authorities must realise that it is their responsibility to ensure that the daily lives of citizens are not disrupted by political activity. Citizens should not have to suffer financially, physically, or mentally due to mismanagement. A solution must be found-either through efficient traffic planning or the announcement of a local holiday to accommodate political events.

The people’s patience is wearing thin, and it is high time the government takes swift, decisive action to avoid further chaos in Rawalpindi’s streets.