The federal capital remains under Lockdown for another consecutive day as Tehreek-E-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) Protestmars continues its progress from Lahore against Islamabad, leading to widespread road closures, travel disorders and increased security.
Authorities have sealed all major entrance points in Islamabad via the M-2 motorway, ranging from Kalar Kahar to the capital as part of precautions.
The most important exchanges in Chakri, Kala Shah Kaku, Fateh Jang, Islamabad Zero Point and M-1/M-2 junction (connecting Peshawar traffic) have been closed to the public.
Read: Security measures disturb the daily life of rawalpindi
Further traffic disorders have been reported on several important highways in addition to the M-2 corridor. These include M-4 Multan-Faisalabad Toll Road, M-3 Lahore-Abdul Hakeem motorway, M-11 Lahore-Sialkot Motorway and N-5 (GT Road) near Murideke, where the protest convoy was last reported.
Commuters using these routes experience significant delays in which authorities advise the public to seek alternative routes and avoid non-essential journeys.
The national highways and the motorway police have called on commuters to avoid unnecessary trips to the capital and delay traveling from central and southern Punjab so far. Alternative routes are recommended for Intercity travelers.
Inside Islamabad, containers and barricades are located at larger crosses, especially around the red zone and other sensitive areas.
Read more: Islamabad Issuing Traffic Disclosure Plan for Faizabad
Traffic within Twin Cities has been significantly slowed down, and reports suggest partial suspension of mobile Internet services in selected sectors to limit coordination among protesters.
Police reinforcements were sent overnight from Islamabad to strengthen security along the capital’s external circumference.
Although the federal government has not announced a timeline to lift restrictions, officials say that normal traffic flow will only resume when the protest is either spread or redirected.
