LAHORE: Abhorrence of the VIP culture is not something new but the man in the street seems to have got voice as was evidenced during a traffic snarl-up on Sunday.

After waiting for 15 minutes or so, people held ‘hostage’ at the Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi intersection on Gulberg’s Main Boulevard on Sunday evening to ensure a smooth drive for some VVIP started blowing horns of their motorcycles and cars.

The traffic wardens attempted to pacify the angry motorists but some of them exchanged hot words with them and started moving towards the boulevard. Caught by surprise, the wardens started snatching keys from the motorists.


Fuming anger at VIP movement


“Return my keys immediately or I’ll be getting a robbery case registered against you,” a middle-aged motorist threatened while attempting to dial some number from his mobile phone.

“Who authorised you to block the whole boulevard from Centre Point up to Jail Road for such a long time? And who authorised you to snatch keys?” asked the angry man now having the support of half a dozen motorcyclists who too had their keys with the warden.

“Sir, Hum tao hukam kay ghulam hain,” responded the warden while returning the keys to the motorists as the convoy of the VVIP had passed away towards Mini Market by then.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...