Islamabad/Rawalpindi:
(Ghag Special Report) As political protests continue to paralyze daily life, residents of the twin cities are grappling with growing frustration and resentment. In a street survey conducted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, citizens voiced their anger over prolonged disruptions caused by political rallies, questioning the motives and accountability of leaders behind the unrest.
Many residents accused political leaders of prioritizing personal gains over national interests. “Imran Khan claims to be the nation’s savior, but what has he done for the country besides fueling protests for the last 16 years?” asked Rashid Ahmed, a government employee. “When he was in power, he failed to bring any significant reforms. Why did he let alleged corrupt leaders go unpunished?”
The protests have brought life to a standstill. Offices, schools, and businesses remain shut, with roadblocks adding to public misery. “My children haven’t been to school for days, and I can’t even reach my workplace because of the road closures,” complained Asma Khan, a schoolteacher from Rawalpindi. “Who benefits from this chaos? Certainly not the common people.”
Questions Raised by the Public
Reporter: “What do you think of the current political situation?”
Ali Shah, Shopkeeper: “It’s absurd. Instead of creating jobs or industries, they block roads and disrupt livelihoods. The government and opposition both need to focus on the real issues.”
Reporter: “Do you think Imran Khan has delivered on his promises?”
Khalid Mehmood, Taxi Driver: “Not at all. If he had proof of corruption, why didn’t he strengthen institutions like NAB when he was in power? He had five years to implement reforms, but he wasted time.”
Others pointed fingers at the lack of accountability for government funds. “Where is the audit for KP’s budget over the last decade? The province remains underdeveloped while public funds are mismanaged,” said Zainab Gul, a university student.
Public Frustration at Economic Toll
Business owners are among the hardest hit. “We’ve already suffered massive losses during COVID-19, and now these protests are forcing us to shut down again,” said Kamran Abbasi, a restaurant owner in Islamabad. “Protesters have blocked major roads, and customers can’t even reach us.”
Citizens also criticized the lack of focus on pressing national issues, such as the Kashmir conflict and regional development. “Instead of addressing external threats, these leaders are busy inciting protests. Our enemies don’t need to destabilize us; we’re doing it ourselves,” remarked retired school principal Maryam Akhtar.
Reporter’s Observations
The survey revealed deep dissatisfaction with the current political narrative. Questions of governance, accountability, and priorities dominated discussions. Many highlighted the need for decisive action to restore order and prevent further disruption.
“How long will ordinary citizens bear the brunt of political games? The protests may end, but the damage to public trust and economic stability will take years to repair.”
The sentiment on the streets is clear: Pakistanis want solutions, not slogans. The question now is whether political leaders will listen or continue to prioritize personal agendas over the public good.