Pindiites face several problems

Residents of Rawalpindi frequently face a large number of problems. Life here seemingly seems at ease but the real position is different.

“We have been victimized by so many problems for a long time. One of them is the transport system which is not at all sufficient for its populace. People face hardship in reaching their working places and getting back, especially during the rush hours,” says Tanvir Hussain from Mangraal Town.

“The populace of the city is increasing rapidly because people keep moving to this city from other areas. This rise in populace has brought numerous problems which appear too tough to be managed. There is scarcity of water, uneven supply of electricity, poorer sanitary conditions, lack of playgrounds and parks for the children are just but a few. This has made it unbearable for the people to live in peace. An honest and accountable administration is needed to solve all these problems,” says Hayat Naqvi from Gulzar-e-Quaid.

“With the swelling population the problem of traffic control has become very severe in Rawalpindi. The increase in traffic has also increased the number of traffic accidents and our roads are growing unsafe day by day. Regrettably, we have little traffic sense and perhaps no respect for the traffic rules,” says Khawar Mehdi from Faisal Town.

“Undoubtedly, bad roads and high speed driving are the core cause of traffic accidents. Traffic problem in the city is getting worse with every approaching day. The city fathers are making little efforts to avoid traffic jams and other traffic problems,” laments Sameen Taqi from Fazal Town.

“The roads in the city have become narrow as compared to the number of vehicles running on them. The work in progress at many places also becomes a cause of traffic jams. The traffic usually remains jam every day,” says Jamal Alvi from Gilani Mohallah.

“Traffic jams’ worst aspect is that our precious time gets wasted and if anyone is heading for a hospital in case of an emergency, then the patient can only look up to Allah for mercy,” says Naila Shabbir from Koral.

“The area for parking vehicles is continuously shrinking under pressure from the rising number of cars and bikes. People don’t have traffic sense. Traffic police and media should play their role in creating traffic sense amongst the people,” says Nilofar Haider.

“City authorities and traffic police department must make the conditions of roads good. Different timing for starting and closing of offices and schools should be set to escape the rush in the morning, afternoon and evening. If they do so, there will be fewer chances of accidents and traffic will move well in the city and people will find themselves easy while driving,” says Anwar Ali from Shaheen Town.

Saira Hasan from Airport Housing Society says: “In the morning, there are long lines of vehicles which move sluggishly from Rawalpindi to Islamabad, everybody appears in hurry and wants to get ahead, especially the motorcyclists and wagon drivers break traffic rules and create problems for others. Every one moves on his own will. Due to this traffic mess, the students, office going people and others usually cannot reach in time.”