THE traffic situation in the federal capital is getting worse by the day. There is no doubt that the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) is working hard to maintain a civic traffic environment. Efforts to enforce traffic laws, impose challans and ensure discipline on roads are appreciable and deserve recognition, but people continue to face severe mental, physical and psychological stress due to the unbearable traffic conditions across the twin cities.

Whenever it rains, the Islamabad Expressway and all the roads connected to it experience gridlocks for hours. Morning and evening rush hours create the same miserable situation every single day. In addition, VIP movements, security block-ades and road closures further increase the suffering of commuters. Unfortunately, it is always the common man who pays the price through wasted time, fuel expenses, stress and exhaustion.

The state has the responsibility not only to punish traffic violations, but also to ensure convenience and ease for citizens. Public cooperation is important, but the government must take practical measures to reduce the daily hardships faced by commuters. The authorities should seriously revisit the issue and take meaningful steps.

Wasif Khaliq Dad
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2026