THE country turned 70 on Monday in all its erstwhile glory and the people of the proud nation celebrated the Independence Day with much fanfare, zest and zeal. But are we really independent? Do we follow rules and regulations? I live in DHA Phase V near Sea View, and the traffic chaos and lack regard for traffic rules, compelled me to celebrate it at my house.

It all started when people from all walks of life thronged to Sea View to catch the glimpse of the fantastic air show which mesmerised all and sundry.

But as soon as the air show was finished, there was a mayhem and disorder on all intersections of DHA roads. All intersections were jammed and people were stuck for more than an hour. I dread those poor souls who needed to move for medical reasons. This continued till the evening.

Traffic cops at main intersections on Khayaban-i-Shamsheer turned a blind eye to the traffic coming the wrong way from Sea View towards the Saudi Consulate. I for one was very much saddened by the sight.

What are we celebrating about if we as a nation cannot even abide by simple traffic rules, let alone higher laws? What are we teaching our younger generations who have to run this country after us?

All sorts of vehicles ranging from two-wheelers to four-wheel drives with armed men in the back seat were going the wrong way as if it was their inherited right to do so.

Aamir Vasi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2017