ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior has directed the immediate removal of unnecessary internal checkposts in Islamabad, citing growing public inconvenience and worsening traffic congestion across the federal capital. The directive was issued during a committee meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz.
During the session, the committee held an extensive discussion on traffic congestion and road blockages in the city. A detailed briefing by the DIG Traffic and Chief Traffic Officer Islamabad identified heavy daily traffic volume, ongoing development works and security related checkpoints as major contributors to congestion at key locations.
Committee members expressed serious concern over the presence of excessive internal checkpoints and the unprofessional conduct of some police personnel. They noted that such practices were causing unnecessary delays for commuters and undermining public confidence. The committee stressed that traffic management issues in the ICT must be addressed on a priority basis.
The chairman highlighted specific congestion hotspots including Lathrar Road at Taramri Chowk, Ali Pur Bank Stop, IGP Road, Constitution Avenue, Chungi Number 26 and Airport Road. Members also raised concerns about traffic disruption caused by private truck stoppages at various points in the city. The committee emphasized the urgent operationalisation of digital traffic management systems.
The DIG Traffic and CTO were directed to submit a detailed compliance and progress report in the next meeting. The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control was also advised to address manpower shortages in the Islamabad Traffic Police to improve on ground enforcement and traffic flow.
In addition to traffic matters, the committee reviewed issues related to delayed compensation payments for land acquired by CDA in several sectors and sought a comprehensive report within one week. The panel also considered multiple legislative items including amendments to local government, citizenship and senior citizens laws, approving measures aimed at easing procedures for elderly citizens while deferring complex policy matters for broader consultation.
