Islamabad and Rawalpindi residents once again faced massive traffic chaos during recent cricket matches in Rawalpindi. The movement of the teams from their hotels to the stadium caused roadblocks on major arteries including Islamabad Expressway, Kashmir Highway and Murree Road.
While cricket fans cheered inside the stadium, ordinary residents struggled to reach work, school or appointments. The recurring traffic jams highlight a pressing question: should the stadium be moved outside the city? Relocating the stadium to the outskirts would allow smooth team movements, prevent roadblocks on key routes and ensure public transport continues uninterrupted. Fans could still enjoy matches, while citizens wouldn’t have to bear the daily stress caused by match-day traffic.
It’s time city planners and authorities considered a solution that balances sporting excitement with the day-to-day lives of commuters. Rawalpindi and Islamabad deserve a cricket culture without traffic nightmares.
Muhammad Anfal
Islamabad
