Twin Cities Return to Normalcy as Roads Reopen After TLP Protests

Everyday life gradually resumed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday, following the clearance of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) demonstrators from Muridke and the subsequent reopening of vital roads.

Law enforcement sources indicated that the protest’s sit-in concluded after a successful operation on Sunday night. Consequently, GT Road was cleared and reopened for traffic.

With the situation becoming more stable, all connecting routes between Islamabad and Rawalpindi are now accessible to commuters. Educational institutions in Rawalpindi have reopened after a four-day closure. Commercial activities have also increased, with shops and business centers resuming operations along Murree Road. Traffic is flowing smoothly on Murree Road and nearby routes.

However, the route from Murree Road to Faizabad remains closed, and the Metro Bus Service linking the two cities is still suspended.

Authorities have confirmed the full restoration of mobile phone and data services across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which will improve communication for residents.

Moreover, major roads, including IJP Road, Double Road, Expressway, and the route from Double Road to Ninth Avenue, have been reopened to traffic, easing movement across key junctions in the city.

The operation to clear Muridke followed several days of disturbances after TLP initiated a protest march from Lahore to Islamabad. The group’s actions prompted widespread concern among government officials, political parties, and the general public.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, appealed to the TLP leadership to halt their march. He requested the group to support the government and armed forces during the country’s difficult period.

Sanaullah mentioned that various political and religious groups had voiced serious concerns over the demonstration, calling for political unity for the sake of the nation.

In Lahore, the demonstration became violent, resulting in confrontations between TLP participants and law enforcement.

According to DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, at least 112 police personnel sustained injuries, and over 100 protesters were apprehended. Reports suggest that demonstrators vandalized the Shahdara Town police station and damaged public infrastructure and private properties.

Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Sunday to discuss the overall law and order and security situation in the country.

The high-level discussion included a detailed assessment of counter-terrorism measures and other significant national security matters. Minister Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister on the current state of internal security and detailed the steps being taken by the Interior Ministry to maintain peace and order.

PM Shehbaz praised Naqvi and his team for their efforts in handling the situation and emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent, well-coordinated, and effective strategies to protect the lives and property of all citizens.

He reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the rule of law and reiterated that safeguarding public life and completely eradicating terrorism remain the government’s top priorities.