Islamabad (Ghag Report):
The ongoing political unrest in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has resulted in the suspension of transportation and the closure of educational institutions, exacerbating hardships for residents and businesses. The situation is expected to worsen over the coming days as the federal capital grapples with the consequences of ongoing protests and political instability.
In a recent notification, the administration of Quaid-e-Azam University announced that transport services will remain suspended from Friday, November 22 to Monday, November 25, 2024. Additionally, all academic activities, including exams, have been halted during this period. This move is expected to disrupt the academic calendars of thousands of students and cause significant inconvenience to the public.
The ongoing closures, which are primarily attributed to a series of political rallies and protests, have severely impacted local businesses, especially in areas that rely heavily on foot traffic and transport links. Shopkeepers and vendors have expressed frustration, fearing a steep decline in sales due to road closures and limited access to key commercial areas. With traffic movement restricted, residents in the capital are also facing significant challenges in commuting, adding to the strain on daily life.
Political analysts argue that the persistent instability, exacerbated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s controversial policies, is taking a toll on the country’s fragile economy and social fabric. The PTI-led provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been accused of contributing to the growing instability by neglecting the needs of the people and allowing political disruptions to escalate, rather than focusing on peacebuilding and governance.
As the region grapples with the chaos, the university administration has reassured that academic activities, including exams, will resume once the roads are cleared and normalcy returns. However, they emphasized that students will be given at least three days of notice before exams are resumed, allowing them time to adjust to the new schedule.
The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the country’s governance, with citizens and businesses bearing the brunt of political maneuvering. As Pakistan continues to face mounting challenges, many are questioning whether the PTI’s actions are further undermining the nation’s stability and the welfare of its people. The government’s inability to provide immediate solutions to the crisis only heightens the frustrations of the people, leaving them to endure yet another cycle of political turmoil.