RAWALPINDI:
Life in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad came to a virtual standstill on Tuesday as unprecedented security measures were put in place for the arrival of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad and the central Muharram Mehdi procession in Rawalpindi.
Authorities have implemented numerous security measures, including placing hundreds of shipping containers at key locations, leading to the closure of major roads, shopping malls, transport terminals, educational institutions, courts and public transport services.
The restrictions have caused serious disruption to daily life, leaving commuters, traders and daily laborers among the worst affected.
Large parts of Rawalpindi, particularly areas surrounding Chaklala and Nur Khan Air Base, remained under a strict security lockdown. Roads, including Khanna Road, Jahaz Ground, Shakrial and Sadiqabad, were completely closed, while residents were barred from accessing rooftops, flying kites or releasing pigeons in restricted areas.
Metro bus services between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, green electric bus services, public wagons and other modes of public transport remained suspended throughout the day. Major transport terminals, including the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, as well as 55 passenger terminals and 10 goods transport depots in the twin cities, have also been closed.
The suspension of freight transportation has affected the supply of food and basic necessities, while the closure of wholesale markets and shopping centers has left thousands of daily wage earners without work or income for the day.
Judicial proceedings have also been significantly disrupted. The Islamabad High Court, constitutional courts and other judicial institutions remained closed, while undertrial prisoners in Adiala Jail could not be produced before courts due to security restrictions, bringing court proceedings to a halt.
Later in the evening, security measures were further tightened for Rawalpindi’s central Muharram Mehndi procession, one of the city’s largest and longest religious processions. The procession, which passes through several major commercial areas including Sadiqabad, Muslim Town, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, Committee Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Kalan Bazaar and Jamia Masjid Road, prompted authorities to seal the entire route with containers well before sunset. Shops and markets that had opened briefly during the day were ordered to close before the procession began.
Road closures also created difficulties for ambulance services and rescue workers, while passengers arriving from other towns were dropped off at locations outside the city, including Swan Camp and Chhabis Chowngi, forcing many families to arrange expensive transportation by taxi or rickshaw.
As a precautionary measure, public parks, including Allama Iqbal Park and Shehbaz Sharif Park, remained closed and jogging activities were suspended in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Citizens, traders and representatives of the district bar have expressed concern over the widespread closure, urging authorities to adopt alternative security measures for future visits by foreign dignitaries.
They suggested that dedicated VIP facilities be established near airports to minimize disruption to city life, adding that closure of courts and complete suspension of civic activities should be avoided wherever possible.
