Citizens irked: Routine life in Gilgit paralysed by PM’s visit

All shops, markets, schools were closed owing to strict security

GILGIT: Routine life in Gilgit screeched to a grinding halt after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit on Thursday. Chaos prevailed as major thoroughfares in the city remained closed for vehicular traffic as part of foolproof security arrangements on Thursday.

The residents of Domiyal, Kashrote and Jutial were forced to remain indoors as the police and other security agencies placed barriers on the route through which prime minister’s convoy was scheduled to pass. Similarly, helicopters also kept hovering over the city till Nawaz left Gilgit.

Shops and markets were padlocked and business activities were suspended. Schools remained closed as the education department announced a holiday a day earlier. Meanwhile, people also complained that they could not reach hospitals owing to barricades and security.

“This proved to be really annoying,” said Aslam Khan, a contractor. Aslam was among hundreds who could not get to work on time owing to strict security.

He added, “Those VIPs are a burden on the national exchequer. This practice should not come at the cost of ordinary men’s independence.”

Social activist Safdar Ali said it seemed there was a curfew in Gilgit city during PM’s visit.

He added, “All roads have been blocked, while shops, offices and schools are also closed. Is this the democracy we are talking about?”

A day ahead of Nawaz Sharif’s visit, renovation work started on the dilapidated roads of Gilgit city to prepare for the visit. Markets were cleaned and speed breakers were painted to give Gilgit a facelift.

The attempt to facelift was heavily criticised by youth in the social media.

“PM must visit us once a year so our roads are in good shape at least,” said another activist.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2016.