Residents Struggle with Traffic Chaos and Delayed Public Transport
Traffic Police Miserably Fails in Managing Traffic in Twin Cities! In the midst of an official visit by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were thrown into chaos as traffic congestion reached unprecedented levels. Despite heightened preparations and issued guidelines, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) miserably failed to manage the flow of vehicles, resulting in severe disruptions and extended delays for commuters.
The Crown Prince’s arrival, accompanied by a high-profile delegation of ministers, senior officials, and businessmen, was a significant event intended to bolster Pakistan-UAE ties. However, the occasion quickly became overshadowed by the utter breakdown in traffic management. Road closures, detours, and restricted access to major thoroughfares led to massive traffic jams, with citizens spending hours stuck in their vehicles.
The Islamabad Traffic Police, who were tasked with ensuring smooth transit during this high-security visit, appeared unprepared to handle the influx of diverted traffic. The resulting gridlocks left people stranded in the streets, and many commuters expressed frustration at the lack of communication and the absence of timely updates from the authorities.
The situation worsened as residents in both cities struggled to find alternate routes, with little to no guidance on how to navigate through the traffic nightmare. Public transport services were also delayed, and pedestrians faced difficulties moving through crowded areas.
Adding to the frustration, a scheduled cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh ended in a draw, with rain already causing delays. But it was the traffic chaos that seemed to capture the attention of the public as the real issue of the day.
Experts have pointed to the lack of coordination between various law enforcement and traffic management agencies, which only exacerbated the situation. Critics argue that despite clear planning and advisories to avoid key routes, the response from the traffic authorities was slow, uncoordinated, and ineffective in alleviating the pressure on the roads.
While the visit of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remains an important diplomatic event, the mishandling of traffic logistics has raised questions about the preparedness of the Islamabad Traffic Police for managing such high-profile events in the future.
