Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has declared that no group or mob would be allowed to march on Islamabad or any other city under any circumstances as the government tightened security in the federal capital in the midst of a protest call from Tehreek-E-Labbaik Pakistan.
The Religious Party staged an anti-Israeli demonstration outside the US Embassy in Islamabad earlier in the day.
The protest came a day after Hamas and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement under which Israeli prisoners are to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the first phase-in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative to end the war in Gaza.
Islamabad has called Trump’s plan a ‘historical opportunity’ for lasting peace in the Middle East.
When the protest call wins traction, Islamabad and Rawal Pindi went in Lockdown on Friday- roads were sealed, communication lines disturbed, public movement came to a standstill, and all entrance points were closed.
Containers were placed in the Faizabad exchange to block entry into Islamabad from Rawalpindi. At least 37 points across the city were sealed with containers, trailers and barriers to prevent further mobilization of TLP supporters.
“The state will not allow anyone to take the law in his hands,” Naqvi claimed during a late evening in Faizabad, where he reviewed security schemes. Prime Minister of Interior Talal Chaudhry accompanied him.
Read more: Islamabad, Rawalpindi in Lockdown, input points sealed in front of TLP -Rally
NAQVI inspected various security checks and reviewed the deployment of police and Federal Constabulary (FC) staff. He met officers and jaws who were stationed at various points, and praised their dedication to maintaining peace and order in the capital.
The Minister of the Interior confirmed the government’s permanent attitude towards maintaining law and order and emphasized that protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the highest priority.
“You are all soldiers in Pakistan,” Naqvi told the security staff. “You play a key role in maintaining the rule of law and the whole nation recognizes your service.”
He also asked about the food and rest arrangements of staff on duty and instructed the Islamabad Inspector to ensure full logistical support and welfare facilities for officers and staff deployed in the field.
Senior officials, including Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and other relevant authorities, also accompanied the Minister during the inspection. Meanwhile, Chaudhry clarified that the demonstrations were not linked to Gaza or Palestine, as the party claimed.
“The population of Gaza are satisfied with recent development, and Muslim countries also express satisfaction. If this question is resolved, what is the need to protest in their name?” Chaudhry asked.
He revealed that more than a dozen police and rangers had been injured in Lahore due to violent clashes with TLP supporters who also destroyed the safe city cameras to avoid identification.
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Chaudhry said the government is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the provincial authorities. Several suspects carrying sticks, nails and glass balls have been arrested, and video visions for their violent acts – including the recordings of a police officer being abducted – have been obtained.
The Minister clarified that only one road in Lahore remains closed while others have been reopened. “We try to solve the situation without the use of power, but one thing is safe – the protesters are not allowed to move on,” he emphasized.
He added, internet service, temporarily suspended due to intelligence concerns, has been restored and any remaining closed routes would soon open again.
City by standstill
Metro Bus Service has been suspended, while the most important throughput roads and arteries along Murree Road, in Faizabad, around Moti Mahal Chowk, in Shamsabad, Dhoke Kala Khan, IJP Road, Pandora Chungi, Khanna Pul, Chak Madad and all roads connecting to Islamabad, have been sealed.
The red zone and the extended red zone are barricaded, and GT Road is blocked by Taxila Chowk, Brahma Interchange, Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, Chak Beli Mother, Gujar Khan, Mandra Toll Plaza and Chakwal Mother.
Complete closure of roads and intersections has paralyzed the city’s traffic system. Murree Road’s shutdown caused massive overload on side streets, with motorcycles and rickshaws that were crowded in narrow lanes, making it difficult for residents to go out.
Punjab Public Service Commission has postponed SDO (PERA) exams to be held on October 11 and 12 in Lahore and other cities. New dates for the exams must be announced later.
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Routine services in courts were relied on low participation for hearings by civil courts and police that were unable to produce inmates from Adiala Prison. At 9.30, district courts were unemployed, with writing reports describing Kachehri as ‘deserted’.
Prison cars were stationed at the intersection of Mareer Hassan, Liaquat Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Committee Chowk and Faizabad, among others.
The Senate Session was postponed indefinitely after the required decision -making ability could not be met. “Most legislators couldn’t reach the Senate because roads are blocked because of a religious group’s activity in Islamabad,” said federal minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
On Thursday, police moved to RAID TLP headquarters in an attempt to arrest the party’s chief Saad Rizvi and was facing retaliation of the party’s supporters. TLP members pelted stones on police staff on Multan Road. Police reciprocated and fired tear gas to spread TLP bulbs.
Gas masks, chemicals and other supplies were also seized from TLP workers, Chaudhry said while talking about a press conference later in the day. The party intended to use these during the rally, he added.
Section 144 is in effect over Twin Cities, with a ban on public gatherings, competitions, protests, demon stations and assemblies in addition to a ban on pillow riding and provocative speeches.
