VVIP roadblocks compromise public convenience.

LAHORE -- Barriers, containers and sometimes barbwire, which are installed for security during court appearances of political leaders, have become a source of constant misery for both the public and Lahore police.

Police usually obstruct the roads leading to the Lahore High Court (LHC) and anti-terrorism court for several hours in order to provide secure routes for political leaders commuting from National Accountability Bureau (NAB) offices to the LHC.

Former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, National Assembly Leader of Opposition Mian Shahbaz Sharif, former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Punjab Assembly Leader of the Opposition Hamza Shahbaz, Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Safdar, former railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, MPA Khawaja Salman Rafique, former PML-N MPA Hafiz Noman, PML-N MNA Rana Sanaullah, former provincial minister for forestry, wildlife and fisheries Sibtain Khan and former Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman Asif Hashmi are among those political leaders whose court appearance require roadblocks.

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When these political leaders appear in court for a hearing, a large number of party workers try to gather for a glimpse of their leader. This leads to a rush and if the police restrain the politically-motivated crowd, it often results in a clash that can spark from just a push.

According to the police, all these political figures bear security threats. To avoid a mishap, police have to ensure foolproof security arrangements via containers, barriers and barbed wire on the way to the court from 7 am until afternoon.

Thousands of personnel are deployed on security duty and this continuation of security for political leaders paralyses the city every now and then.

Owing to the ceased roads from early morning, problems arise for every segment of society...