Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are facing significant disruption in daily life as authorities have placed containers and suspended mobile data services following Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) call for a march towards the capital on Friday. While containers have been placed at key entry and exit points of Islamabad to restrict movement, citizens are also experiencing widespread mobile internet outages, adding to the inconvenience. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, approval has been granted to suspend 3G and 4G services in the twin cities “until further orders.” The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to take necessary action in coordination with the Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations. The Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) has expressed concern over the situation, stating that the blockade of all major entry points has made it difficult for lawyers to reach the courts. The association requested that no adverse orders be passed in cases due to lawyers’ non-appearance. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province, prohibiting the display of weapons and restricting public gatherings, rallies, and sit-ins to maintain law and order. The notification added that the emergency order notes that the ban will remain in force for an initial period of 14 days, subject to extension if the security situation so requires. The statement said the measure was taken after credible intelligence indicated an elevated risk of coordinated attacks targeting public gatherings, government installations and law-enforcement personnel. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers in addition to the call to prayer and sermons has also been banned under the restrictions. Furthermore, security has also been beefed up in Lahore with road closures adding to citizens’ woes in various areas. A holiday has been declared for all public and private schools in Lahore with immediate effect. The decision, as per the education department CEO, has been made due to road closures. The official added that schools were in the process of informing parents of the holiday. Apart from schools, a Punjab Education Department spokesperson has said that colleges and universities have been ordered to close in the twin cities. Punjab University’s LLB exams scheduled for today have been postponed and the new date will be announced later, the varsity’s spokesperson said. In Rawalpindi, all the thoroughfares leading to Murree Road have been closed. A heavy contingent of police personnel has been deployed near Faizabad, Chandni Chowk and Liaquatbagh. The Metro Bus service has also been suspended in the twin cities, and directives have also been issued for the closure of business centres and hotels on the Murree Road. The roads connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been blocked. ‘TLP’s wants to create unrest, chaos’ Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has slammed the TLP of attempting to organise a “so-called Gaza March” not to express solidarity with Palestinians, but to create unrest and chaos in the country. Speaking at a press conference a day earlier, Chaudhry said that the government has always allowed peaceful protests under proper rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs), but the TLP neither sought permission nor gave any assurance of following legal protocols. The minister revealed that several people were arrested in Punjab and Islamabad carrying batons, chemicals, glass bottles and other weapons, including tear gas shells and face masks, raising serious concerns about the group’s intent. “Does this look like a peaceful protest or an attempt to incite violence?” Chaudhry questioned, adding that those detained were confirmed TLP office-bearers. The minister said the TLP’s actions appear aimed at diverting attention from national security matters, recalling that “even during Indian aggression,” the group had announced a similar Gaza march. He emphasised that Pakistan has been one of the most vocal countries in support of Palestine.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi face road closures, mobile service disruption amid TLP protest
