Disrupting routines: PTI dharna at Hayatabad disturbs residents

Loud music played at ‘Azadi square’ keeps residents awake at all odd hours.


Our Correspondent September 07, 2014

PESHAWAR:


For the ninth consecutive day, members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protested in Hayatabad’s ‘Azadi square’, proving to be nuisance for the residents. On most days, people from across Peshawar reach Azadi square at 4pm to demonstrate against the federal government. The dharna often continues late into the night.


The protesters are of the view the dharna should continue simultaneously with the one held in Islamabad at D-Chowk, till the party’s leader gives further directions.

This announcement has panicked the residents who are quickly losing patience with the crowd and the blaring music—both of which they find irksome.

“We work all day and need rest at night but the moment PTI supporters switch on their music, it feels like someone has switched on a music system in the next room,” said Jawad Irshad Khan, who runs his business in Karkhano market. “But I cannot stop the protesters since it is their constitutional right.”

Jawad said his children cannot sleep at night, adding the protesters should have selected another location for the protest. He said they also held the Nato dharnas at the same place which had also caused problems for Hayatabad’s residents.

“We supported and attended that demonstration, but now we have school-going children and the constant noise disturbs them at night,” added Jawad. “The protesters should not switch on the sound system after 8pm.”

Participants of the dharna said they are aware that residents are facing problems, which is why they limit the protest to “eight hours only”.

“We are sorry about the inconvenience but we will not leave this place until the central leadership gives us further directions,” said Sajid Ali Khan, a resident of Hayatabad who visits Azadi square daily at 4pm. When asked, Sajid said he could not travel to Islamabad due to “some domestic problems”.

Apart from the protest in Hayatabad, small demonstrations have been held in other parts of K-P.

This has led to the closure of roads in the city. The protests have hindered the movement of people and caused problems for businesses as blocked roads restrict the supply of goods. Vehicles have to be parked where the sit-ins take place since trucks cannot proceed on roads packed with people.


Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2014.

 

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