KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) said that the revival of cricket has become painful for the citizens of Karachi due to the poor planning of the concerned authorities of the government.
Secretary-General, Pakistan Medical Association (Centre), Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, in his statement, said that the PMA enthusiastically welcomes international cricket and players in Pakistan. It will absolutely boost the soft image of Pakistan and will provide immense leisure to cricket lovers.
“Unfortunately, due to the ill planning of the administration, this cricket revival has become painful for the people of Karachi due to roadblocks for security reasons. The people living around the stadium are very distressed because of this traffic mess. In the 70s, the National Stadium Karachi was out of the city, but with the passage of time, it has become the center of the city but our administration, while organizing these events, forgets this fact and does not realize the sufferings that millions of people due to their apathetic approach,” he added.
Dr Qaisar Sajjad said this traffic muddle due to cricket activity is turmoil for the people of Karachi. During practice sessions and the test match between South Africa and Pakistan, people have been going through a hard time due to the closure of roads around the stadium resulting in immense traffic jams in the city.
He explained that two major hospitals and a few smaller ones, along with the Isolation Center for COVID-19 at the Expo Centre, are located in the area. These traffic jams will wreak havoc for the people visiting these health facilities for emergencies and other treatment. Moreover, it will be difficult for doctors and paramedics to reach their hospitals to serve sick people. People going to their workplaces and coming back to their homes have also been facing hardships due to these traffic jams. The closure of roads around the stadium has increased the traffic flow at University Road and Rashid Minhas Road, which results in a heavy traffic jam on both roads.
In this scenario, the PMA suggested the authorities shift the National Stadium out of the city. They also requested the authorities to come up with appropriate traffic plans that do not make the lives of the public difficult. Only close the roads at the arrival and departure of players; let these roads remain open for traffic during the players’ stay at the stadium.