LAHORE: Maladministration allegedly on the part of the departments concerned holding the Pakistan Super League (PSL-7), especially related to the public mobility in the city, is adversely affecting the routine life of the residents of Gulberg and the adjoining localities of Gaddafi Stadium.

The situation is worsening gradually as the residents at the time of the cricket teams’ arrival and departure are either forced to remain in or outside their homes for hours.

“The departments’ behaviour (closing roads, traffic, mobility etc in specific timings) shows that they have no planning at all. It seems they are just there to get the roads closed for the security of teams and not to facilitate those entering or exiting the areas near the stadium,” a resident complained while talking to Dawn on Sunday.

“When there is a breakdown of system having no accountability, this type of behaviour emerges. And we are the victim of this system,” she deplored. Criticising the government, another resident said there was too much trouble on day-1 of the PSL-7 in Lahore.

“I had to go out to get my mother checked by a doctor. But the traffic police closed the roads. I also requested an official on duty, but he didn’t allow it, forcing me to change the time of appointment with the doctor. It is so sad,” he added.

According to yet another resident, he, along with his neighbours, showed their identity cards to the duty officials in a bid to prove they lived in Gulberg but the officials on duty didn’t allow them to enter the area.

“They (the officials) don’t misbehave. They often remain silent. But at the same time, they don’t allow us to enter or exit the area at specific times. It is highhandedness,” he said.

Talking to Dawn, one more resident said the government must revise its plan by allowing the Gulberg residents to enter or exit the area during the road blockade timing.

“The government should also issue us special passes or affix stickers on our cars so that we could do our works without any hassle. It will also help those requiring medical treatment or do any other job,” he suggested.

Meanwhile, a video clip of a woman/resident of Gulberg went viral on social media. In the video, the woman is seen criticising the government for organising the PSL at the cost of public miseries.

When contacted, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Umar Sher Chatha dispelled the impression, stating that the government is trying hard to facilitate the Gulberg residents for their mobility.

“The roads are closed only for 18 minutes,” he clarified and said that the government had started issuing passes to the residents of Gulberg, especially those living in the surroundings of the stadium.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2022