ISLAMABAD: Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi continue to face severe traffic disruptions as frequent VVIP movements and back-to-back cricket events have led to prolonged gridlocks across major arteries of the twin cities.
Over the past several days, the movement of national and international cricket teams for the ongoing series combined with routine VVIP convoys has resulted in temporary closures of key roads including Islamabad Expressway, Srinagar Highway, Ninth Avenue, Club Road and Murree Road, causing widespread frustration among commuters.
Long queues of vehicles were seen on major intersections during peak hours, with some motorists reporting delays of up to one hour on routes that normally take minutes to cross. Public transport also remained affected, leaving office workers, students, and patients struggling to reach their destinations on time.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of prior notification and the repeated use of major public routes for VVIP movements. Many criticized the authorities for what they described as “avoidable inconvenience” during a series of cricket matches that require daily team transfers between Islamabad and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Traffic authorities acknowledge the challenges but say diversions are necessary for security. Despite advisories issued by the Islamabad Police, citizens argue that alternative arrangements such as dedicated movement corridors or revised match logistics, should be considered to minimize disruptions.
