ISLAMABAD: The prolonged onslaught on Pakistan’s capital Islamabad by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has created a chaotic environment in the city, leaving families of brides and grooms, as well as emergency services, struggling to navigate the turmoil.
As supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party PTI march towards Islamabad, the government’s measures to control the situation have inadvertently caused significant distress for the people.
The PTI supporters are marching towards Islamabad for a high-stakes “do-or-die” game against all odds, to “get the party workers and leaders out of jails.” The police on the other side have taken stringent measures including placing shipping containers on the roads, leaving no option for the commuters but to stay at home even in emergency-like situations.
Given that it is a wedding season and numerous families reserved marriage halls months in advance, the city administration closed down these marquees across all sectors of Islamabad, including E-11, Club Road, and IJ Principal Road, while access to these venues has already been restricted.
A bizarre wedding couple photoshoot also took place in Islamabad with the bride and the groom posing in front of containers placed by the authorities amid the ongoing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) onslaught on Islamabad.
Khola and Qasim, a wedding couple, were seen walking and standing as they held each other in front of the containers, placed in anticipation of PTI protests.
On Sunday, in Faisalabad (Sargodha Road), the police rightly recognised a wedding procession as part of the opposition party’s caravans, heading to the federal capital. The PTI workers were travelling to join the main procession in Islamabad under the guise of a wedding party.
Meanwhile, families celebrating their joyous occasions became entangled in confusion and frustration as police barricades obstructed their access to the wedding venues. The situation became even more challenging for individuals in need of urgent medical care. Ambulances carrying critically ill patients were also affected by the road closures.
A viral video on social media shows relatives of a patient in Lahore transporting the individual, who is holding oxygen and other medical equipment, as they board a rickshaw to reach the hospital. They mentioned that due to the road closures at Bhati Chowk, no vehicles or ambulances could navigate the area. The only option available to reach a nearby hospital is a rickshaw, as the driver is familiar with the smaller streets that can lead to the hospital, according to the relatives.
In a similar situation, a father traverses a long distance in Lahore, carrying his sick baby while another person accompanies him with an oxygen cylinder. In a separate incident at a motorway interchange, a father, braving the cold with a child in his lap, is seen pleading with the toll plaza staff to allow an ambulance to pass through to the hospital. However, they remain unyielding, stating that they must adhere to the directions of their bosses.
One of the more striking scenes observed on the streets involved a newlywed couple.
Due to road closures resulting from the PTI activity, the groom had to transport his bride on a motorcycle, as conventional wedding vehicles were unable to find the way due to blocked routes. This incident took place at Bhati Chowk, where traffic was entirely halted, causing daily life in the area to come to a standstill. The video quickly went viral as people perceived the situation as both unusual and unfortunate.
The traffic closures resulting from the PTI’s protest affected not only daily commuters but also created significant challenges for those with urgent needs. One notable instance involved a family from Shahdara who needed to urgently transport their sick child to the hospital.
Caught in a traffic jam, the family had no alternative but to walk to the hospital, bringing the child and an oxygen cylinder along.
The bike riders (bikers) in twin cities are facing hardships in this situation. “All roads are blocked, and we’re trying to find a ride, but everywhere we turn, heavy containers are obstructing the way. How can we earn a living and support our families in such circumstances?” said a biker named Talha, expressing his hope that this situation would improve overnight.
The situation underscores the increasing influence of the protests on daily life, with individuals—ranging from those experiencing medical emergencies to those celebrating weddings—caught in the turmoil created by the PTI protest and measures taken by the government.
As the protest continues, local businesses are beginning to feel the impact. Many stores have closed, while those that remain open have experienced substantial losses due to a drop in customers and road closures. “We depend on customers coming in and out, but with the roads blocked, it’s been devastating for us,” expressed a local shopkeeper.
In light of the increasing unrest, the city administration and police have reaffirmed their dedication to upholding order while recognizing the difficulties experienced by residents. A police spokesperson remarked, “We empathise with the frustration of families affected by this situation. Our main objective is to ensure safety and security, but we are also striving to assist those who are not participating in the protest.”
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As families manoeuvre the complexities of a city in turmoil, they hope for a swift resolution that allows them to celebrate important milestones and access essential services without fear of disruption. The situation remains fluid, with authorities urging citizens to stay informed and exercise caution as tensions rise in the capital.
It is important to note that Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb recently stated that the current protests by the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are causing a daily loss of Rs190 billion (USD 688.2 million) to the federal government.
