Report: Nareender Hemnani /ANI
ISLAMKOT — The traffic system in Islamkot is facing severe disorder, with illegal stands for small and large vehicles established near various shops and streets across the town. As a result, traffic jams have become routine, making it difficult to pass through the main market.
Coaches, Shazore trucks, Datsun vehicles and other transport vehicles operate to various villages and rural areas and are routinely parked on the main roads. The establishment of informal transport stands has further worsened the situation.
Coaster vehicles travelling to Nagarparkar have established a stand near Anandani Guest House in the main market, while coaches travelling to Jhangro village operate outside the One-Five office near Dua Medical Store. Buses travelling to Kunri also depart from a stand established in front of the Islamkot Public Library. Residents say this arrangement has continued for several years, but no effective action has been taken.
Sources familiar with the matter have alleged that some traffic police personnel posted in Islamkot allegedly allow shopkeepers and vehicles to remain in congested areas in exchange for informal payments. These allegations have raised concerns among citizens about the enforcement of traffic laws.
Vegetable vendors, pushcart operators and others running roadside businesses have also occupied important intersections, road edges and public spaces. As a result, the roads have become even narrower, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass through the market.
Shopkeepers have also been accused of placing a large portion of their goods outside their shops and occupying sections of the road. Residents further say that some shopkeepers allow taxis and other vehicles to remain parked outside their shops for the convenience of customers, while pushcart operators are allegedly permitted to occupy public spaces in exchange for informal payments or other personal benefits.
The situation outside the girls’ high school near the One-Five office is particularly concerning. Pushcarts, cabins and other roadside businesses have made it difficult for female students to enter and leave the school. Some parents have reportedly stopped sending their daughters to school because of the prevailing conditions. Citizens have also expressed concern that groups of young men frequently gather around the cabins and pushcarts outside the school.
The same route leads to the Sant Nenuram Ashram, where women visiting the religious site also face difficulties because of encroachments and roadside obstructions.
Similarly, cabins and pushcarts have been set up around the entrance to Shah Abdul Latif Higher Secondary School and College, creating difficulties for students, teachers and others entering and leaving the educational institution.
Citizens have questioned the performance of the traffic police, the town committee and the Revenue Department, saying that the relevant authorities appear to have failed to effectively control traffic congestion and remove encroachments from public roads and important locations.
Residents have also questioned the performance of the Islamkot Town Committee and the assistant commissioner, saying that anti-encroachment operations are conducted only occasionally and are mostly symbolic. They demanded sustained and impartial action to restore traffic flow, clear public roads of encroachments and ensure safe access to schools and religious sites.
