ANYTIME political public meetings are held, we start witnessing the closure of roads around the Mazaar-i-Quaid. The most recent took place prior to the PPP’s public meeting.

The PPP meeting was on Oct 18. However, road closures, with the help of containers, started from Oct 16, showing absolutely no logic for the act.

Security is fairly understandable but making the lives of people miserable by closing roads and limiting free movement does not make any sense.

Take the example of any country in the developed world where citizens are never hurt like this. A 20-minute route becomes more than an hour.

During rush hour it might even become two hours, effecting the citizens in many ways, including wastage of fuel, time and energy. The scorching heat during the day makes things even worse for commuters.

Eventually, people can’t bear so much pressure and we witness street fights, accidents, lawlessness and reckless driving.

The authorities concerned should not overlook such issues. If you really want to close the roads, then at least give us decent and workable detours/alternative routes, the way you have done opposite Bilawal House.

Fayzan M. Keshwani

Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2014