Markets, schools, gas stations and public transport closed on a five-kilometer stretch
Adiala Road. Photo: Courtesy — RDA
RAWALPINDI:
Daily life came to a standstill on Adiala Road and its surrounding areas after authorities in Rawalpindi imposed the strictest possible measures to block the movement of supporters on the occasion of the “Meeting Day” scheduled for Tuesday, for workers seeking to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
All markets from Gorakhpur to Dahgal along Adiala Road were completely closed, commercial areas were closed, fuel stations were closed and all public and private schools and public transport were suspended. A five-kilometre stretch of Adiala Road has effectively been made a no-go zone.
On Tuesday, Adiala Road witnessed a complete shutdown of transport and commercial activities. As shops and markets were forcibly closed, business came to a halt and traders began to protest. Parents were also upset by the sudden closure of schools; many arrived early in the morning to drop off their children, but found the doors locked and were sent home. Shops were forcibly closed at dawn, gas stations were cordoned off with barriers and streets leading to Adiala Road were closed with barbed wire.
Gorakhpur traders – Faisal Nadeem, Shafqat Aziz and Munawar Ahmed – said their businesses were in ruins because of the Adiala jail. They complained that twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, markets, squares and offices were forcibly closed. Daily wage laborers who came to Adiala Road to look for work were also chased away. “
Public transport from Rawalpindi Saddar to Adiala village and subsequent areas was also disrupted, forcing vehicles to take a four-kilometer detour and charging passengers an extra fifty rupees. This led to conflicts between passengers and drivers throughout the day. Students and employees traveling from Adiala Road to schools, colleges, universities and workplaces in the city were also not allowed to use the route. Many citizens were forced to travel an additional four kilometers to reach their destinations, causing considerable delays.
The stretch from Dahgal to Gorakhpur along Adiala Road has been declared a red zone, with security tightened at the highest level. The external security of Adiala prison has been further strengthened. Markets, commercial areas and educational institutions along this section remained completely closed.
A special two-shift security plan was implemented, under which SHOs of 20 police stations, eight DSPs, two SPs and over 1,200 personnel were deployed. Six female inspectors and 48 female commandos were on duty. Heavy contingents were stationed at Dahgal check post, Gate No. 1, Gate No. 5, Factory Mor and Gorakhpur.
