Cricket and chaos
The traffic chaos witnessed at a time when Karachi is hosting a cricket match is too frustrating. Here I want to discuss my experience on road when the opening match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand was played at the National Stadium on February 19. While I wholeheartedly support our cricket team and the spirit of the Champions Trophy, the resulting traffic chaos was simply unacceptable.
Despite Karachi Police unveiling a detailed traffic plan — ensuring that Sir Shah Suleman Road remained open and designating parking at the National Coaching Centre and China Ground — many fans and commuters disregarded these guidelines. As reported by the media, heavy traffic on key arteries like the routes from Karsaz to Stadium Road and Millennium Mall led to severe gridlock. This not only disrupted daily commutes but also contributed to the rising toll of traffic accidents. The situation near Mai Kolachi, where vehicles were diverted and parked haphazardly, further compounded the problem, risking both public safety and timely emergency response.
As a resident of Karachi, I urge local authorities to enforce traffic regulations more strictly on match days. While sporting events are vital for national pride and economic uplift, they should not come at the expense of everyday commuters. I call for a review of the current traffic management strategies and for stricter penalties for non-compliance to ensure that the excitement of cricket does not turn our roads into chaos.
Alizah Razzak
Karachi
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