ISLAMABAD: Life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has come to a grinding halt over the past 10 days.
First, protests and shutdowns by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) blocked main roads and motorways, paralyzing the twin cities. Now, cricket matches are adding to residents’ woes, causing severe traffic jams and disrupting daily life even further.
Frustrated citizens are urging authorities to find practical solutions that allow the games to continue without making city life unbearable.
Suggestions from the public include arranging helicopter pick-ups for players from Islamabad hotels to Pindi Stadium, booking team accommodations at Pearl Continental Hotel in Rawalpindi, and even constructing a dedicated stadium in Murree or the Galiyat region with on-site residential facilities. Some have also proposed upgrading existing venues like Chinar Club or PC Bhurban to host matches outside city limits, minimizing city traffic.
“Can the administration find a way to host cricket matches without turning our daily commute into a nightmare? We need traffic-free roads and peace of mind,” said a resident of Islamabad.
Online, hashtags like #TrafficFreeIslamabad, #CricketSolution, and #ReliefForResidents are trending as citizens voice their concerns and demand swift action.
So far, authorities have not announced any official measures to tackle the twin challenges of political protests and sports-related traffic congestion. Residents remain hopeful that a balance can be struck—allowing cricket to thrive while keeping city life manageable.
