FREEDOM of movement is a basic right guaranteed by the Constitution. Yet, every so often, this right of the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad is violated. On Sept 8, once again, the twin cities were in a state of physical lockdown, because a political party wanted to hold a power show in the capital, and the government as usual overreacted.

All entry and exit points were blocked, the bus service was suspended, and the route to airport was cut off. Particularly affected were the residents of localities on the Srinagar Highway near the airport, who were literally besieged and were even unable to get to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.

This is just a battle of power-grab and petty egos between the government and the opposition, and I hold both responsible for the suffering that has become the unfortunate fate of the people.

Trust me, people across Pakistan just want to be left alone and be allowed to go by their daily lives in relative peace.

Adeel Ahmed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2024