Road barricades still to be removed


Express July 12, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Authorities are yet to remove road barricades from the federal capital, putting a serious public issue in deferment.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in a meeting headed by its chairman, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi Khan, had decided that all avenues would be gradually reopened to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the city.

When the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior asked the administration to remove all road barricades across the city, the Ministry of Interior termed it a premature demand. Ministry officials said that the option is currently unfeasible as security threats still exist in the city.

Meanwhile, diversions and barricades set up across the city have raised public ire. People are demanding that all such barricades be removed.

Tanvir Akbar, a motorist, said that he had to wait for hours under the scorching sun due to road blocks. He said that the situation is even difficult for women and children, who travel by public transport.

A fair number of the people shared their concerns in this regard with the Express Tribune. They said that those sitting in the helm of affairs could not understand the agony that people face, unless they are made to travel like common people in public transports.

Rohail Ansar, an employee at Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, said that due to a road barricade before a local hotel, he was compelled to spend extra time and fuel daily, to reach his office.

Muhammad Ajmal, a resident of sector F-6/3, believes that these diversions serve no purpose to curtail security threats. “Traffic police officials talk about their progress and performances but practically they have done nothing to facilitate the public”, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2010.

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