Article:
A heated meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior was held under the chairmanship of Raja Khurram Nawaz, where committee members strongly criticized the recent imposition of roadblocks in various parts of the capital city, Islamabad. The committee session heard a briefing from DG Traffic Islamabad, Muhammad Haroon, and CT0 Traffic Police, Hamza Humayun, while Chairman Committee Raja Khurram Nawaz scolded the traffic authorities.
DG Traffic Islamabad informed the committee that around 3 to 4 lakh vehicles enter Islamabad on a daily basis, and that the city’s main crosroads are congested due to ongoing development projects, which have exacerbated the traffic situation. He added that the Expressway is now congested, and that the situation will improve within the next 2 to 3 months.
Chairman Committee Raja Khurram Nawaz inquired why the IGI Airport administration was not present at the meeting, and why roadblocks were erected at every corner of the city. He stated that he had personally experienced the traffic jam and was delayed for 2 hours while returning from a function. He recalled that during his 60-year stay in Islamabad, he had never seen such widespread roadblocks.
DG Traffic Islamabad responded that the digital setup is being installed at various locations to ensure that vehicles do not get stuck, and that the situation will improve within a few months. He also stated that the people of Islamabad have become mentally ill due to the traffic chaos, and that there are around 17 lakh registered vehicles in the city.
Chairman Committee Raja Khurram Nawaz then questioned the police officers who were present at the meeting, asking why they use their torches on people’s faces. He stated that the police officers lack discretion and are causing unnecessary harassment to the public. Additional Secretary Interior also expressed his concern over the widespread roadblocks and stated that the situation is causing immense suffering to the public.
DG Traffic Islamabad responded that they are working under the supervision of the Additional Secretary Interior, and that they are doing their best to improve the traffic situation. However, the Additional Secretary Interior retorted that he is a citizen of this country, and that the roadblocks on the Constitution Avenue are not serving any purpose.
Chairman Committee Raja Khurram Nawaz then clarified that the police officers are actually harassing the public, and that the roadblocks are causing unnecessary suffering to the people. The meeting was marked by heated exchanges and a strong sense of frustration among the committee members.
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