VIP movement: Motorists, pedestrians suffer on BB Road

BB Road was closed for over half-an-hour in preparation for the arrival of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

RAWALPINDI:

Roads blocked to accommodate VIP movement near Faizabad on Tuesday triggered massive traffic jams, causing problems for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Benazir Bhutto Road was closed for over half-an-hour in preparation for the arrival of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, while hundreds of commuters remained stranded in the scorching heat.

“In light of the security threats, the government should use helicopters to transport VIPs instead of blocking roads,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, a motorist.

Traffic wardens were unable to divert the traffic onto alternative routes, which were closed during peak hours. Long lines of vehicles were also witnessed on Rawal Road, Asghar Mall Road and other major arteries due to the road blocks.

Traffic at Commercial Market remained suspended. Public transport passengers and students were affected by the jams.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2013.