MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Severe traffic congestion and safety hazards are being reported in the busy Tahli Mandi and Fruit Market (Sabzi Mandi) areas of Azad Kashmir’s capital due to administrative negligence and poor municipal arrangements, sparking public outrage.
On Sunday, the lack of municipal staff caused roads to be blocked, with handcarts and stalls encroaching onto the main road near Rawalpindi Adda, preventing large vehicles from going through.
The situation has not only resulted in extended traffic jams but also become very dangerous to pedestrians, particularly small children selling fruits in the market.
Citizens voiced fear that unless authorities take action now, there will be a disastrous accident. “If a child gets under a car, who will be held accountable?” asked one citizen, noting that officials react only when there are serious incidents.
Even though municipal workers are off duty on Sundays, there are no alternative measures made, frustrating locals and questioning the priorities of the administration.
People are calling for the government to take immediate action to protect lives and provide a free flow of traffic in the busiest market areas of the city.
