Barely a wheel moving as city grinds to a halt

Along from Metro Bus service, Punjab government's Speed-O service also suspended

LAHORE: Commuters faced a nightmare on Friday as all public transport remained suspended, along with other means of mobility, in the provincial capital. Many areas were also blocked by the Punjab government in anticipation of rallies in support of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif who was scheduled to land in the city.

Citizens who used the Metro Bus woke up to a rude shock as services were suspended and other modes of transportation were also limited.  Shabbir Ali, a daily commuter speaking to The Express Tribune, said, "I heard on the news yesterday that entry and exit points were being blocked near the Lahore airport. However, only today I learnt that there was no Metro Bus service either." Shabbir used the service daily to commute from Ferozepur road to work. "Why would they make life difficult for ordinary citizens?" he asked.

Apart from the Metro Bus service, Punjab government's Speed-O service was also suspended and other modes of transport limited.



Rabia Shahzad, a banker by profession, used a ride-hailing service to get to work every day. “Today was very problematic as the app showed that there were no rides available near my location".  Rabia proceeded to hire a rickshaw at an exuberant fare as she had no other choice.

The problems of commuters did not end there as the provincial government suspended mobile phone services in the afternoon. Madiha Ali, an executive at a private company, said, "I cannot get in touch with my family and they must be worried about my safety. I don't know what is happening in the city and how will I be able to get back home."

Meanwhile, The Mall was also closed for traffic in anticipation of a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) rally. Thokar Niaz Baig, a busy entry and exit point to the city, was also closed, creating problems for intercity travellers.

"These measures seem extreme and are making life difficult for ordinary citizens," said Shamim Alam, a shopkeeper. He said the government should avoid taking such excessive measures for no reason. Shamim believed it was a sign of incompetence whenever there was a political rally or a cricket match in the city. He said people like him were the victims of such situations.



Similar problems were reported at entry and exit points of the city as well as Lahore Airport where passengers were told to reach six hours before the departure of their flights. According to a statement, SP Security Ammara Athar said a shuttle service was arranged from five points in the city to the airport. She said the arrangement was made for the convenience of travellers. However, not many were happy with the facility.

Faheem Abbas, who was bound for Karachi, said it was absurd to arrive six hours early for a flight that took less than two hours.

The city, meanwhile, also wore a desolate look. Shoaib Haider, a local, said it seemed like the city was almost empty. "People are scared because of the arrangements made by the government and only those people who have no other choice are out on the roads."