Imagine waking up to the sound of heavy machinery and stepping outside to find main road lined with massive containers. This is a common sight in Islamabad whenever there is a pro-test call. The Government seals off the city with these imposing barriers, creating a sense of lockdown and unease. This article explores the psychological and social impact of the con-tainer mindset in Islamabad, where the government’s use of containers to control protests creates a pervasive sense of insecurity and anxiety among residents along with some poten-tial solutions to mitigate the impact of “the container mindset” issue.
The use of containers in Islamabad during protests is not a new phenomenon. This practice began several years ago as a means to control crowds and prevent protesters from reaching key government buildings. The government’s rationale is to maintain order and ensure se-curity. However, the frequent deployment of these containers has led to significant disrup-tions in the daily lives of the city’s residents and their mental peace.
Seeing containers on the streets can be jarring. For many residents, it triggers feelings of in-security and anxiety. “Every time I see those containers, I feel like we’re under siege,” says Ayesha, a local resident. The containers symbolize barriers not just physically, but mentally as well. They represent a divide between the government and the people, creating an at-mosphere of tension and distrust.
Their presence disrupts daily activities in numerous ways. Commuting becomes a nightmare as roads are blocked, leading to traffic jams and delays. School going students, working class and businesses suffer as customers find it difficult to reach shops and markets. Social inter-actions are also affected, with people feeling confined and restricted in their own city. The community’s response to this practice has been mixed, with some supporting the govern-ment’s efforts to maintain order, while others criticize the heavy-handed approach. If we look at this situation from a global perspective, Islamabad is not the only city to use such measures. In other parts of the world, similar tactics are employed to control protests. For instance, in Hong Kong, barriers and roadblocks are often used during demonstrations. However, the effectiveness and public perception of these measures vary.
Therefore, we concur that containers will be there. While the Government’s intention is to maintain order, the psychological and social impact on residents cannot be ignored. It is cru-cial to consider alternative methods that balance security with the well-being of the com-munity. Here are some potential measures to mitigate the challenges associated with con-tainer mindset.
Exploring less intrusive methods for crowd control during protests can be an alternate. In-stead of using containers, authorities can use temporary barricades or police presence to manage crowds along with proper implementation of traffic diversions and road closures to strategically minimize disruption while maintaining security. The authorities need to communicate openly about the reasons for deploying containers. Transparency can help alleviate anxiety and build trust among residents. Regular updates from official sources can inform citizens about the purpose and duration of containers placement as well as provide alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion and frustration. This proactive approach can alleviate uncertainty and inconvenience for the public. Involving community leaders, activists and residents in discussions about crowd control measures to seek their input on alternatives and their impact can also be a relief for both authorities and public. Mental health professionals can help individuals cope with anxiety and stress. Public awareness can empower citizens to respectfully demand better practices during such times and also be responsible citizens by fulfilling their required duties. Also, how about an artistic intervention? What if we transform containers into art installa-tions? Paint them with positive messages, murals or symbols of unity. Creative expression can change the perception of containers from oppressive barriers to symbols of resilience and community spirit.
