MY friends call me fortunate when I tell them that I live in Karachi's most secure location, opposite Bilawal House, Clifton.

They think I live in peace, serenity and tranquillity but little do they know about the hardships I have to face every day.

All roads leading to Bilawal House are cordoned off, shops closed, barriers erected overnight and all human and animal activity is strictly prohibited within a radius of 2km leading to the most protected property in Karachi after the US consulate of course.

Before the bomb blast at CID headquarters in Karachi, all road-cuts leading to the apartments and commercial area opposite Bilawal House were blocked with concrete barricades forcing residents to go all the way to the end of the main road in order to enter the lanes leading to their homes.

As if erecting concrete barriers on all road-cuts were not enough, they were permanently sealed a few days back, thus removing all misconceptions if there were any, in the minds of residents who someday dreamt of enjoying a smooth drive back home.

SHABAN HASNAIN Karachi