ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (Alliance News): Once celebrated as a bastion of peace and tranquility, Islamabad is now grappling with a daily barrage of political protests, religious demonstrations, and chronic traffic disruptions.
The city that was once an ideal of calm has become a hotbed of unrest, leaving its residents in a state of constant struggle.
Dr. Alina Nasir, a 42-year-old medical practitioner who relocated from Azad Kashmir a decade ago, reflects on her disillusionment.
“I came here seeking peace and better opportunities, but what I’ve encountered is relentless stress,” she says. “My daily life is overshadowed by concerns for my children’s safety amidst frequent rallies and roadblocks.”
The city’s infrastructure, designed to support its growing population, now struggles under the strain of ongoing protests and political unrest.
Traffic congestion has become routine, with protesters frequently blocking roads, leading to significant delays and a deteriorating quality of life.
Ali Raza, a 45-year-old businessman, shares similar frustrations. “I envisioned Islamabad as a place for a peaceful life, but now even reaching work on time feels like a challenge. The sudden protests disrupt our streets, making it both inconvenient and hazardous.”
Families like the Jaffrys, who moved to Islamabad from a remote village for better educational opportunities for their children, face daily anxieties. Mrs. Riffat Jaffry laments, “We sought a safer environment for our kids, but now we worry daily about their safety amid the protests.”
The situation is exacerbated by frequent VIP movements, ongoing road construction, and high-profile events like cricket matches, which lead to road closures and further inconvenience for residents.
“It feels like we’re living in a pressure cooker,” says Anis ur Rehman, a 47-year-old IT professional. “VIP convoys, endless roadwork, and cricket traffic turn every aspect of daily life into a challenge.”
The unrest is not only affecting commutes and safety but is also eroding the sense of community and well-being in the city. Social interactions have dwindled, and public life has been overshadowed by political and religious discord.
Dr. Maryam, a local psychiatrist, highlights the psychological impact of the unrest. “The persistent stress and uncertainty are taking a toll on mental health. The vision of Islamabad as a peaceful city is crumbling, affecting the psychological well-being of its residents,” she warns.
Islamabad’s shift from a symbol of calm to a center of turmoil reflects broader socio-political changes in Pakistan. Once envisioned as a serene administrative hub, the city now contends with the challenges of rapid urbanization and political instability.
Efforts to alleviate these issues have been sporadic. While city officials occasionally propose improvements to traffic management and security, these measures often fall short, leaving residents to navigate the chaos largely on their own.
As Islamabad continues to face these ongoing challenges, it raises the question: Can the city ever reclaim its peaceful past, or is it destined to remain trapped in its own contradictions.
