Road closures in Peshawar due to a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Mardan have caused severe difficulties for citizens, disrupting daily life across Peshawar.
Residents have expressed frustration, saying that frequent political gatherings have paralysed routine activities while their basic issues continue to be ignored. “Our daily lives have been affected, but no one is paying attention to our problems,” citizens complained.
Many locals questioned the need for holding rallies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that such events only add to public inconvenience. They also criticised the PTI-led government, saying unemployment has worsened and key sectors like health and education are being neglected.
Citizens further expressed concerns over the law and order situation, urging the authorities to focus on governance and public welfare instead of organising political gatherings.
According to initial reports regarding this power show by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi, there were no proper arrangements made to bring workers from Dera Ismail Khan. Meanwhile, roads in the provincial capital Peshawar also appeared unusually deserted.
On the other hand, local traders and shopkeepers in Mardan have strongly protested against the administration’s actions. A shopkeeper said they have been running businesses there for the past 8 to 10 years, but the current government has started causing them serious difficulties.
A citizen stated that instead of participating in unnecessary demonstrations, people should focus on their work and livelihoods, adding that no significant development has been seen in their area during the PTI government. A resident of Peshawar also criticised the government, calling the protest a waste of time.
Authorities issued orders to vacate shops in the name of the rally, raising fears that goods worth millions of rupees could be damaged or wasted. Shopkeepers said they were first told to store their goods inside and are now being forced to vacate the area, severely affecting their businesses.
Also read: PTI postpones its jalsa in Rawalpindi on Imran Khan’s directions: Barrister Gohar Khan
