Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain under Lockdown, which began yesterday, with roads sealed, communication lines cut and public movement at a standstill. The Religious Party held an anti-Israeli demonstration outside the US Embassy in Islamabad on Friday. Hamas and Israel signed a ceasefire on Thursday with Israeli prisoners to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in line with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative to end the war in Gaza. Islamabad has described the plan as a “historical opportunity” for lasting peace in the Middle East. Prime Minister of Internal Talal Chaudhry said TLP “did not obtain the necessary permits” to hold the rally. The city’s shutdown of large arteries, including Murree Road from Faizabad to Murree Road Chowk, and link roads such as Sir Syed, Moti Mahal, Liaqat Road, selection Chowk, Waris Khan, Rehmanabad and Shamsabad, were completely sealed. Read: Islamabad moves to avert TLP Protestries and barriers blocked both larger and smaller streets. Schools, colleges, universities, wholesale markets, transport nodes and goods transport services remained closed, leaving the city’s commercial and social life in a standstill. The police checkpoints and patrols were maintained throughout the city. Civil Lines Police previously attacked the TLP office in Jamia Masjid Ghausia Zia-Uloom and arrested 77 workers in a preventive crash. Access to lanes led to Murree Road and Adiala Prison was blocked. The arrested persons were not produced in court, which caused the judiciary to postpone hearings for no case. Residents faced serious difficulties with patients, the sick and essential service providers who are struggling to reach their destinations. Wholesale and fruit-guarding markets were closed, creating lack of deficiency and sharp price increases. Public parks were deserted, and nightlife companies, including hotels and food chains, remained closed. Read more: Waste crisis is elaborated in the middle of the protests, as the authorities said the measures were needed to maintain law and order. “These steps are to ensure public security and prevent disruption,” said a police spokesman, though some residents complained about the lack of help to navigate closures. Yesterday, over 37 points over Twin Cities were barricaded with containers, trailers and barriers. Metro bus connections were suspended and side streets were clogged with motorcycles and rickshaws. Security forces deployed more than 6,000 employees, including SP-ranked officers and snipers along Murree Road. Police had previously tried to arrest TLP chief Saad Rizvi, facing stone pelvis from supporters and seizing gas masks and chemicals allegedly intended for the rally. Section 144 remains in force by banning public gatherings, protests and inflammatory speeches.
TLP -Protest triggers total shutdown in Islamabad, Rawalpindi
