Khalilzad Says Islamabad Has Become “Containerabad”

DID Press: Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, has criticized the extensive road closures and movement restrictions in Pakistan’s capital, describing Islamabad as “Containerabad.”

Khalilzad, in a post on X, shared an Al Jazeera report on the situation in Islamabad and wrote: “Islamabad has become Containerabad. Why? Pakistanis deserve better.”

The Al Jazeera report, titled “‘Containerabad’: Pakistan’s capital and truckers bleed money amid lockdown,” examines the consequences of road closures and the use of shipping containers as barricades ahead of a planned march by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

According to Al Jazeera, between 1,500 and 2,000 shipping containers have been used to block roads in Islamabad. The restrictions have disrupted traffic and affected businesses and freight transport, with truck drivers reporting financial losses and uncertainty over when their vehicles will be released.

Reuters reported that Pakistani authorities have requisitioned more than 2,000 vehicles since September, with some still carrying cargo, while transport operators face additional costs and delays.

The roadblocks have been put in place ahead of a PTI march that has been postponed to October 4. Pakistani authorities say the security measures are based on anticipated security requirements, while PTI supporters are demanding the release of Imran Khan.

Khalilzad’s “Containerabad” expression is therefore a reference to the extensive deployment of shipping containers and the resulting disruption to movement and commercial activity in Islamabad. His comment is an expression of criticism, rather than an official description of the city.