Islamabad, Rawalpindi Grapple with Disruptions Amid TLP Protest

For the second day in a row, daily life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has been severely impacted due to road closures and the suspension of internet services, prompted by a protest organized by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

Key transportation routes and junctions, notably the Faizabad interchange and IJP Road, remain completely inaccessible. The crucial Faizabad Interchange, which connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad, has been barricaded using shipping containers. Routes via Khanna Pul, Kuri Road, and Dhoke Kala Khan are also closed, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.

Authorities in Islamabad have cordoned off the Red Zone, employing containers around D-Chowk to restrict entry.

Additionally, the entry of heavy vehicles into Rawalpindi has been completely prohibited, and roads leading to the airport have been blocked off using containers.

Educational institutions are currently closed. Internet services in various areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are still suspended, creating challenges for both residents and businesses.

The Metro Bus service that operates between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been suspended due to security concerns. Law enforcement personnel have been stationed at the Faizabad interchange, a site known for previous demonstrations led by the religious group.

All dining establishments and lodging in the Faizabad vicinity have been shut down by the local government.

Section 144 of the CrPC has already been enacted across Punjab, which prohibits the carrying of weapons and forbids public gatherings.

These actions have been implemented as a response to a call for protest in the capital, which was initiated by the political and religious organization headed by Saad Hussain Rizvi.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, commented that the government is working to prevent TLP’s march towards Islamabad through non-violent means, asserting that the state will not succumb to pressure from disruptive groups.

Chaudhry stated that the federal government had taken preventive measures and would not accept coercion or politically motivated demands.

Accusing TLP of using sensitive subjects for political advantage, the minister pointed out the party’s involvement in past incidents of damage to public property.

Chaudhry questioned the purpose of the march, mentioning that Palestinians are celebrating the recent peace agreement in Gaza.

“The primary stakeholders are the Palestinians, and they are welcoming the recent peace accord,” he stated.