Collateral damage

Freedom of movement is a basic right guaranteed by the constitution of Pakistan. Yet, every so often, this right is violated in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area. This happened yet again during the second week of September as a certain political party decided to hold a power show in the capital area. As usual, the government overreacted. All entry and exit points were blocked, the bus service was suspended, and the route to the airport was cut off.

Those living near Srinagar Highway, which is near the airport, were among the worst affected as they were literally under siege, unable to even go to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency. This is all due to a clash of egos between the relevant party and the incumbent government and we hold both sides responsible for this suffering. We, the people, just want to be left alone and to go about our lives in peace.

Adeel Ahmed

Islamabad