During the latest PTI protest, life in the capital came to a standstill for days. Roads were blocked leaving commuters stuck in traffic for hours. Students dropped out of school, office workers couldn’t get to their jobs, and businesses, especially small ones, suffered. Above all, the damage to government property was deplorable. During the protests, parks and green spaces were littered and damaged, and fires were set, which increased air pollution. These acts not only spoil the beauty of Islamabad but also harm the health and safety of its residents.
Repairing this damage is another burden on taxpayers, stretching already limited public resources. While people have the right to express their opinions and grievances, political leaders must ensure that protests are peaceful and do not affect the lives of ordinary citizens. Authorities also need to plan better, finding ways to balance protests with the smooth running of public life. Instead of prolonged street protests, the focus should be on open dialogue and meaningful negotiations.
Maryam Shahid
Islamabad