ISLAMABAD: The joint investigation may be a threat to the political survival of the Sharif family but its proceedings have become equally painful for the commuters and residents of I-8 and H-8 sectors.

The main entrance to the two sectors has been turned into a virtual red zone in light of the joint investigation team (JIT) proceedings taking place at the Federal Judicial Academy (FJA) located in the middle of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), a private hospital and a number of public offices.

On the other hand, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) claimed that they had made arrangements to facilitate the citizens visiting different offices in both the sectors. The ITP also claimed that its radio station - FM 92.4 - had been informing the commuters about alternative routes.

Citizens visiting federal board, other offices and educational institutions are not allowed to enter area

Shahid Nazir told Dawn that on Tuesday he had to visit the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) College located at H-8 but could not enter I-8 from the expressway as the road was blocked.

“I asked a police official about the reason and requested him to allow me to enter the area but he suggested me to proceed from the side of the Beaconhouse School rather than wasting my time. I move there but was not allowed by the police to drive to the college,” he said.

“Left with no other option, I decided to park my car on the roadside and walked to the college from far away. When I reached the college, a staffer informed me that the principal had also not been allowed to drive towards his office and had to park his car somewhere away,” he said.

It may be mentioned that July 5 was the last date for students to submit applications for intermediate admissions. However, as Maryam Nawaz is going to appear before the JIT on Wednesday, the college administration extended the date to July 6.

Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) Chairman Dr Ikram Ali Malik also faced a similar situation as his vehicle was stopped by the police. He had to wait for some time until a senior police officer reached the spot and allowed him to enter the area.

“Though we cannot declare a holiday on Wednesday, because of the situation employees have been told that they would not be made answerable if they could not reach the FBISE,” an official of the FBISE told Dawn requesting anonymity.

Similarly, the results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams were announced by the board on June 20 but students who want to submit applications and other documents were not allowed to go to the FBISE.

Sohail Jameel, the father of a student, said it was deplorable that the area had been made a red zone for the citizens.

“Fortunately, schools are closed for the summer vacations otherwise it would have become a huge problem for the parents to pick and drop them in the educational institutions located in the area,” he said.

A local resident, Mohammad Bilal, said it was strange that even at night barriers were not removed from the I-8 interchange and Street 65 on Mir Chakar Khan Road remained closed. Moreover, Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Road, which divides I-8 and H-8, also mostly remains closed.

A traffic police official, on the condition of anonymity, said despite all efforts made by the ITP a large number of people were suffering because of the security arrangements.

“We try to allow them to enter the area after checking their cards. However, as VIPs are appearing before the JIT, sometimes we don’t have any option but to stop the commuters,” he said.

“On Tuesday, we frequently broadcasted a message through our radio that the way from Garden Flyover to the FJA would remain closed and the commuters should use Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Road. Moreover, the road from Al Shifa Hospital to the FJA will remain closed and the citizens should use the Beaconhouse Road. Street 7 on Mir Zafarullah Jamali leading to Sector H-8/4 will also remain closed,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2017