RAWALPINDI:
Cricket matches between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have become a major inconvenience for residents as extensive security measures have resulted in the tight closure of key public spaces, roads and commercial areas, sparking strong public backlash.
Allama Iqbal Park, the city’s largest historic recreational site, was completely closed for the three days of Eid. Similarly, Double Road, its adjacent markets and the main food market – comprising around 45 hotels and barbecue outlets – were also closed, preventing residents from enjoying Eid outings or food activities.
More than 200 shops and offices at Shamsabad-Double Road mall were closed, while access to the nearby church was also restricted, preventing members of the Christian community from attending Eid services. Authorities placed the entire area under strict security cordons, with barbed wire and barricades set up from the agriculture office to the stadium.
Traffic disruptions have severely affected daily travel, with major roads blocked and commuters forced to take alternative detours of up to three kilometers. Even Metro Bus access points in the area were reportedly affected.
Citizens, traders and community representatives strongly protested this situation, demanding that such restrictions not be imposed during major events. Residents including Ghori Khan, Shams Pervez and Fida Hussain said turning routine safety measures into widespread closures was unacceptable and called for matches to be moved elsewhere.
