Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said no group or crowd would be allowed to march on Islamabad or any other city under any circumstances as the government beefed up security in the federal capital following a call for protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.
The religious and political party staged an anti-Israel protest in front of the US Embassy in Islamabad earlier today.
The protest took place a day after Hamas and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement under which Israeli prisoners are to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in a first phase – in line with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative to end the war in Gaza.
Islamabad called Trump’s plan a “historic opportunity” for lasting peace in the Middle East.
As the call for protest gained momentum, Islamabad and Rawalpindi went into lockdown on Friday – roads were closed, communication lines disrupted, public traffic came to a halt and all entry points were closed.
Containers were placed at Faizabad Interchange to block entry to Islamabad from Rawalpindi. At least 37 points in the city were cordoned off with containers, trailers and barriers to prevent further mobilization of TLP supporters.
“The state will not allow anyone to enforce the law,” Naqvi said during an evening visit to Faizabad, where he reviewed security arrangements. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accompanied him.
Learn more: Islamabad and Rawalpindi confined, entry points sealed before TLP rally
Naqvi inspected various security checkpoints and reviewed the deployment of Islamabad Police and Federal Police (FC) personnel. He met officers and jawans stationed at different locations, lauding their dedication towards maintaining peace and order in the capital.
The Minister of the Interior reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on maintaining public order, stressing that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the top priority.
“You are all soldiers of Pakistan,” Naqvi told the security personnel. “You play a key role in upholding the rule of law, and the entire nation recognizes your service. »
He also inquired about the food and rest arrangements of the personnel on duty and directed the Inspector General of Police, Islamabad to ensure full logistical support and welfare facilities to the officers and staff deployed on the ground.
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 protests were not linked to Gaza or Palestine as the party claims.
“The people of Gaza are satisfied with the recent developments, and Muslim countries are also expressing their satisfaction. If this problem is resolved, what is the need to protest on their behalf?” » Chaudhry questioned.
He revealed that more than a dozen policemen and Rangers personnel were injured in Lahore due to violent clashes with TLP supporters, who also destroyed the cameras of Safe City to avoid identification.
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Chaudhry said the government was monitoring the situation closely in coordination with provincial authorities. Several suspects carrying sticks, nails and glass balls were arrested, and video evidence of their violent acts – including footage of the kidnapping of a police officer – was obtained.
The minister said only one road in Lahore remains closed, while others have been reopened. “We are trying to resolve the situation without resorting to force, but one thing is certain: the demonstrators will not be allowed to advance,” he stressed.
He added that internet service, temporarily suspended due to intelligence concerns, has been restored and all remaining closed roads would reopen soon.
The city at a standstill
The metropolitan bus service was suspended while key thoroughfares and thoroughfares along Murree Road, Faizabad, around Moti Mahal Chowk, Shamsabad, Dhoke Kala Khan, IJP Road, Pandora Chungi, Khanna Pul, Chak Madad and all roads connecting Islamabad were closed.
The Red Zone and Extended Red Zone are barricaded and GT Road is blocked at Taxila Chowk, Brahma Interchange, Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, Chak Beli Mor, Gujar Khan, Mandra Toll Plaza and Chakwal Mor.
The complete closure of roads and intersections has paralyzed the city’s traffic system. The closure of Murree Road caused massive traffic jams on side streets, with motorbikes and rickshaws spilling into narrow lanes, making it difficult for residents to escape.
The Punjab Public Service Commission has postponed the SDO (Pera) exams, which were scheduled to be held on October 11 and 12 in Lahore and other cities. New exam dates will be announced later.
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Routine services in courts were disrupted due to low attendance at civil court hearings and the inability of police to remove detainees from Adiala Prison. By 9:30 a.m., the district courts were vacant, with scribes’ reports describing Kachehri as “deserted.”
Jail vans were parked at the intersections of Mareer Hassan, Liaquat Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Committee Chowk and Faizabad, among others.
The Senate session was adjourned indefinitely after the required quorum could not be achieved. “Most of the legislators could not reach the Senate as the roads are blocked due to the activity of a religious group in Islamabad,” said federal minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
On Thursday, police raided the TLP headquarters in a bid to arrest party leader Saad Rizvi and faced reprisals from party supporters. TLP members pelted stones at police personnel on Multan Road. Police responded and fired tear gas to disperse the TLP crowds.
Gas masks, chemicals and other supplies were also seized from TLP workers, Chaudhry said at a news conference later in the day. The party intended to use them during the rally, he added.
Section 144 is in force in the Twin Cities, with a ban imposed on public gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, demonstrations and assemblies, in addition to the ban on boarding a passenger and provocative speeches.
