ISLAMABAD: The anti-government sit-ins organised by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have not only disrupted the routine life of the city residents, but the parks and recreational points of the capital city have also witnessed very few visitors during the last one week.

The recreational spots of Islamabad, including Pakistan Monument, Daman-i-Koh, Capital Zoo, Shakarparian, Lok Virsa, etc., which always attract a great number of visitors, look deserted these days due to the protests and sit-ins led by Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri.

A resident, Asad Khan, told this agency that he has restricted his movement ever since these marches started. There is no point of going for picnic or visiting public places, he said.

“There is an uncertainty everywhere and no one is sure what is going to happen,” said Asad.

“Our comfort and normal activities have been put at stake; we are the victims of political agendas being persuaded by the two leaders,” he said.

“We are highly perturbed as it is not clear how long the sit-ins would continue. We are seriously concerned about the security risk to our lives during the ongoing sit-ins,” another resident, Rehan Ahmad, said.

The shop keepers at these recreational points also showed deep concern over the current situation and said they were not the only ones suffering; even the business community was besieged, and was facing huge losses.

“This situation will not only send a wrong message to the world but also have adverse impact on Pakistan’s overall political, economic and social fabric,” one of the shopkeepers said.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2014