Islamabad-Rawalpindi Paralyzed Amid Lahore Protest

Islamabad-Rawalpindi Paralyzed Amid Lahore Protest

Islamabad/Rawalpindi: Although the Tehreek-e-Labbaik protest is ongoing in Lahore, the federal capital and twin city Rawalpindi are facing severe disruptions. Roads are blocked, public transport is suspended, residents are confined to their homes, and patients, as well as office workers, are struggling to move around.

Poor planning by authorities and the Interior Minister’s inefficiency have left the citizens of the capital bearing the brunt of the protest. Commercial activities have also been severely affected.

Majorroadss including Rawalpindi Expressway, Faizabad, IGP Road, Khanna Pul, Kiri Road, Dhoke Kala Khan, Waris Khan, Committee Chowk, Sixth Road, Shamsabad, Iran Road, Rawal Road, Shahin Chowk, and Saddar, are completely blocked. The Faizabad Interchange has also been sealed, and containers have been placed on routes leading to the airport, causing flight delays.

Rawalpindi administration has imposed a complete ban on heavy traffic entering the city. Internet services in the twin cities remain suspended for the second day, and educational institutions are closed. Metro Bus services are also halted, while heavy police deployment is present, and all hotels in Faizabad have been sealed.

Citizens are questioning why the people of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are suffering the consequences of a protest happening in Lahore, and why the government is seemingly indifferent to the hardships faced by the public.