Roadblock: President’s security detail troubles people

Major arteries and roads in Quetta remain blocked for three days


Shezad Baloch December 27, 2014

QUETTA: The special security measures taken in Quetta for President Mamnoon Hussain have become a cause of massive inconvenience for common people as law enforcing agencies have blocked the main roads of the provincial capital for three days.

Police and security forces have sealed major parts of the city’s main arteries as part of the plan chalked out for the president’s security, who arrived here on Thursday.

The roads leading to Governor House and Chief Minister Secretariat from Quetta airport were sealed with huge deployment of police and other security forces. Nearby streets and roads were also sealed causing great trouble for commuters. The bridge which connects the downtown with several townships of the city has also been closed for three days.

Hundreds of vehicles were seen trapped in snarl-ups on Zarghoon Road, Joint Road, Berwery Road, Saryab Road, Jinnah Road and adjoining areas.

“It took me about an hour to get to my office from my home on Brewery Road,” said Kamran Ali. “I had to change my route thrice because security personnel had blocked the road.”

People have expressed resentment over the massive traffic jam due to the security arrangements for the president. Citizens have demanded to shift the governor and chief minister houses to military cantonment areas which are already located in high-security zones.

President left for Islamabad on Friday after completing his visit to Quetta and Ziarat. He met Balochistan Governor Mohammed Khan Achakzai, Commander Southern Command Naseer Hussain Janjua and tribal notables and businessmen during his visit.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2014.

COMMENTS (1)

Mes | 9 years ago | Reply

Mr President, u may not be knowing, even air traffic get affected because of your visit. Travel Was also closed. God knows how huge are your requirements. But one thing I know, that I paid for my travel, but you alone enjoyed.

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