- The TLP march to Islamabad enters its third day.
- More than 100 party members arrested in Lahore.
- Faizabad interchange remains closed.
RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Several key roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi were partially reopened on Sunday as the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest march continued its advance from Lahore towards Islamabad.
As major roads remain blocked by shipping containers, authorities have begun easing restrictions in some areas of the Twin Cities to make commuting easier.
The twin cities have remained partially closed since Friday following a call to protest by the TLP, whose activists attempted to march on Islamabad in solidarity with the Palestinians.
Mobile internet services have also been partially restored in parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, according to authorities.
Rawalpindi Traffic Police has released a new plan regarding road routes. According to Rawalpindi Traffic Police, out of 43 blocked places in the city, six have been fully reopened while 35 have been partially emptied. Faizabad remains completely closed for the third consecutive day.
In Rawalpindi, roads leading to residential areas and adjacent streets of Murree Road have been reopened to traffic, although major highways, including Murree Road, Faizabad, Expressway and IJP Road, remain closed. The metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad also remains suspended until further notice.
Motorway police have confirmed that the M-2 highway from Lahore to Islamabad has been reopened and traffic is normal. The Islamabad Expressway and the road connecting Ninth Avenue to Double Road have also been partially reopened, although the Faizabad Road on the Rawalpindi side remains blocked.
Islamabad DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq visited Faizabad to review the law and order situation, assuring that security and order in the capital will be maintained “at all costs”.
Traffic police have announced diversions at several points near Faizabad. Heavy traffic entry into Islamabad remains suspended, with alternative routes advised: Motorists traveling to Rawalpindi from Rawal Dam Chowk are advised to use Park Road, while those heading to the airport should use Kashmir Chowk and Srinagar Highway.
Residents of I-8 have been asked to take Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Club Road and Park Road, while those coming from Koral should opt for Khanna Pul, Lehtrar Road, Tramri Chowk and Rawal Dam Chowk.
In Lahore, violent clashes between TLP protesters and police left 112 injured and led to the arrest of more than 100 activists, according to operations DIG Faisal Kamran. Protesters also vandalized the police station in Shahdara town and damaged public and private property, News reported.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry earlier said the government was seeking a peaceful solution but would not be “subject to mob blackmail”, accusing the TLP of exploiting sensitive issues for political gain.
