PSL is already over with the first week of its matches. The people of Karachi might just be getting frustrated enough to realize that PSL 8 being conducted in Karachi may be more of a nuisance than a blessing.
Karachi, a city known for its vibrant energy and bustling streets, is also infamous for its traffic problems. The roads of Karachi are filled with honking cars, buses, and motorcycles, all vying for space on the congested streets. During rush hour, traffic often grinds to a standstill, causing frustration and delays for commuters. The traffic jams also contribute to air pollution, with car exhaust fumes filling the air and creating a haze over the city.
Pedestrians and bicyclists also struggle to navigate the streets, as sidewalks are often blocked by parked cars or used as makeshift lanes by motorcycles. Despite efforts to improve the traffic flow and public transportation, the challenges continue to mount, leaving many Karachiites feeling trapped in their own city.
The already congested traffic in the city has been made worse by the closing of roads around the National Stadium Karachi for the protection of foreign players competing in the Pakistan Super League. Some Karachi residents have turned to Twitter to ask the government to come up with a better plan and make better preparations for upcoming events in light of the congested thoroughfares and the enormous number of stationary cars.
with the on going construction on university road & the PSL road blockages, Karachi traffic is gonna be absolute madness for the next two weeks. May God give us the strength to survive in this shitty.
— nma (@namaloomafraaad) February 12, 2023
Yeh jo pyara PSL hai !
May the people of #Karachi manage their traffic routine better in the evenings. pic.twitter.com/JznNigxu5H— Annus Raza (@annusraza) February 14, 2023
Every thing become hustle in Pakistan #PSL traffic situation at Metropole Karachi #PSL2023 pic.twitter.com/SFFSopcDa6
— Faran Rizvi (@rizvi_faran) February 14, 2023
PSL k atay hi azaab e traffic is back#PSL8 #karachi #Traffic pic.twitter.com/6q4EPtsmhc
— Fahad Rauf (@analystfahad) February 14, 2023
The majority of the people are not against the tournament itself but blame the local government for its inability to manage and contain traffic within the city. Karachi is already undergoing construction and the PSL chaos only adds to the madness. Karachiites are already complaining about the daily difficulties they face while commuting within the city. Here are some of those problems.
- Ill-trained traffic police officials.
- Traffic and roadblocks caused by the expo.
- Multiple roadblocks despite the Government claiming the opposite of it.
- Lack of alternate traffic plans.
- Lack of security from Government officials.
Moreover, another concern has been raised by not one but many citizens. The question is if the PSL tournament could’ve been held in another stadium instead of the National Stadium. The National Stadium is right in the center of Karachi and is also located where most of the traffic jams are witnessed because of the Expo Centre. Other stadium options include the Rafi Cricket Stadium in Bahria Town and the Southend Club Stadium in DHA.
Both stadiums have enough capacity to host tournaments like PSL and are far enough from the main city so as to not cause any disturbances for the citizens. They also have proper routes and parking areas. Pakistani people have invested in Bahria Town’s development which is also one of the reasons why Karachiites wonder about this problem when they’re stuck in traffic. This is why many people wonder why these stadiums could not have been used for PSL.
PSL matches in Karachi are not worth it
The additional traffic and pain that they cause the people of the city should hold significant weight when making these decisions @najamsethi sb cant we do these matches in Bahria Town ? pic.twitter.com/huMVhAeMLi
— Yousuf M.Farooq (@YousufMFarooq) February 14, 2023
Karachi is already undergoing construction and with more than half of the city being destroyed and already difficult to live in, PSL is only adding to the worries of the citizens. Getting to work, school, and other destinations have become extremely stressful and anxious for everyone. The pollution because of the traffic and the construction is also having a negative impact on the environment.
Will the government pay any heed to the citizens’ cries this time?
Let us know in the comments below.
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