RAWALPINDI:
The first-ever Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) show of power in the garrison city generated enthusiasm among party supporters but chaos on the roads, as traffic on Benazir Bhutto Road formerly known as Murree Road, was completely paralysed.
In Islamabad too, a PTI procession consisting of about 20 vans and cars partially blocked the flow of traffic on Kashmir Highway.
Thousand of PTI activists started flocking Liaquat Bagh at around 5pm, carrying banners, waving party flags and flaunting photos of party chief Imran Khan, though the proceedings did not begin until 7pm. Most of those in participants were brought in buses and wagons from Attock, Murree, Wah Cantt and Rawalpindi Division, along with substantial number of people travelling from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Vehicular traffic on the road itself was blocked from Mareer Chowk to Chandni Chowk for many hours by young enthusiasts.
“I think this is the right time to show people power… We (the youth) have to prove we can bring change by voting for Imran Khan,” said a group of enthusiastic young locals.
Both sides of BB Road were packed with huge crowed and people from all walks of life, including youngsters, old people and women. Many young motorcycle enthusiasts were seen doing wheelie through a sea of vehicles decorated with PTI flags and posters of Khan.
“This is a great time to try some stunts as the police are too busy to run after us,” said motorcyclist Hammad, as the flag on his bike hovered behind him.
Unfortunately, for those who were not out to have a good time, access to the city’s two biggest hospitals, Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) and Holy Family Hospital (HFH), was near impossible.
“My daughter is admitted in BBH. She will miss her medication due to the traffic mess, all because I am stuck here with her medicine,” Imtiaz Khalid fumed in his car with a bag of medicine on the passenger seat. The roads should have been cleared for commuters because there is no other way to get to the hospital,” the frustrated Khalid said.
The long queues were formed in part because of throngs of dancing youngsters, who took the opportunity to use BB Road as a dance floor complete with flashing lights and honking horns.
“I am very excited to be part of the tsunami... I have been preparing for this event for the last two days... the residents of Rawalpindi want real change,” said Ali Akhtar, another young man.
Less enthused were the trader’s community of BB Road, who expressed concern over the loss of potential revenue when nobody could get to the shops.
“Traders on Murree Road always suffer because whenever there is a procession in Liaquat Bagh, we must shut up shop because the roads are impassable,” said trader Ajmal Sheikh.
However, pushcart food and knick-knack vendors seemed to be doing well, as stranded commuters bought their wares to pass time.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2012.
COMMENTS (16)
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The ' Youthquake' has started and now the .....Tsunami shall follow !
The time has come to Rise for our Country and the Children of tomorrow !
"...Most of those in participants were brought in buses and wagons from Attock......., Murree, Wah Cantt and Rawalpindi Division, along with substantial number of people travelling from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa....." No wonder Imran Khan and PTI are staunchly against opening of NATO supply route. After all, PTI need the transportes to ferry the crowd from all over the country to generate tsunami!. Only disappointment I have with PTI is that he didnt charter PIA and other airlines to bring his 'supporters' from UK and north amereeka.
Good show, but the rant of tsunami is becoming a little jarring on ears.We should coin some constructive message for the nation as tsunamis have been aplenty already in this country.The poor need something tangible to improve their lot and mere flushing out sections of society may not remain so attractive soon.Remember, tsunami does not distinguish friend from foe and sometimes even innocents are wiped out .So ,alternately more emphasis be placed on an agenda of uplift. How the poor would not stay poor and justice would be provided to every citizen irrespective of his creed,cast or color need to be dished out to the excited youth and old alike,clamoring for change.
Being a supporter of PTI, I say SORRY to all those who got stuck in the traffic jam since a lot of them were supposed to reach hospitals/airport/hotels/marriage halls/home. I apologize to all.
<<<< LONG LIVE PAKISTAN >>>>>
I was also present in the historic Jalsa at Liaquat Bagh last night. I got stuck in the traffic jam for about 30 minutes but after mutual consultations, we decided to reach the venue as pedestrians from Transit Camp (near Race Course). It was our affection/love with Pakistan that we reached there in no time to keenly listen to our leaders including Imran Khan. MASHALLAH. We have to change the system. We have to bring the CHANGE.
PAKISTAN PAAINDABAD
Next time Tsunamists should come to rallies in Helicopters and pvt planes - anything to keep ET happy :)
Government of Punjab should have made alternate traffic arrangements for the commuters.
It is not due to tsunamists. It is because unfortunately Rawalpindi does not have enough proper roads to handle traffic. Traffic jam is nothing but usual.
I am strong supporter of PTI and firmly believe that Chairman is man of priciples. We should adhere to rules and regulations of traffic. This will show the discipline and difference in PTI and other parties.. All love and support to PTI.
as always ET has to write a critical; article on any PTI rally/ event/ press conference joining or anything else in random.
Now Imran Khan should go to jail for making the sick suffer.
collateral damage
The country is going down the drain and ET is concerned about traffic. Targeting PTI as usual, as if there's no traffic jam when other parties hold rallies.
I, as a PTI supporter, sincerely apologize for causing any trouble to all commuters and particularly, to Mr Khalid whose daughter is admitted in the hospital. We all pray that may Allah swt give her shaffa, ameen.
Now for ET: It's good to point these things out, but I do not recall reading any news on your website regarding the problem we face on DAILY basis from the routes set up for our corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. Great news coverage...!!!!
"tsunamists"... Nice term.. :)