Call to specify area for protests

LAHORE: The citizens of the provincial metropolis have demanded the government to allocate special areas for holding protests saying that frequent protests of political parties and other pressure groups have marred their lives.

A survey, conducted under the recent state of political affairs, revealed that commoners of Lahore were fed up due to protests by political parties, and other groups. A resident of Ichrra, Muhhamd Abbas while talking to The News said Lahore once believed to be a city of peace and serenity was now marred by uncertainty and unpredictability in everyday affairs. He said he suffered a perplexed situation with a constant thought that he would face a road blockade or a protest while on his way to work. Commenting on the Wednesday’s protest, he said political parties were trying to trick the commoners for their motives. He demanded the government to allocate special areas for such protest in a bid to provide relief to the masses.

A student of National College of Arts, Fatima Sagheer said she was waiting for two hours to find a public transport to get back to her place but in vain. She said political activism was good but not on the price of the peace and serenity of the commoners.

She said The Mall has become a protest arena for pressure groups. She requested to the government to look into the matter seriously and devise a mechanism with consultation of all stakeholders.

Another, Razi Ahmad, who was coming from Cantt met with this scribe near Davis Road signal said he had to reach Judicial Complex to attend a case hearing but he was unable to move forward due to blockades. He said the last time he was unable to peruse his case was due to a strike of lawyers and now due to political parties.

He said commoners were suffering but no pressure group was voicing the real issues but only the hidden agendas and motives. Many other natives were of the view that the Punjab government should take steps to avoid such untoward and chaotic situation in the city. They said political parties and groups have right to pursue their goals but not on the cost of common men.