Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain under lockdown since yesterday, with roads closed, communication lines cut and public traffic paralyzed. The religious and political party staged an anti-Israel protest in front of the US embassy in Islamabad on Friday. Hamas and Israel signed a ceasefire on Thursday, with Israeli prisoners to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in line with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative to end the war in Gaza. Islamabad described the plan as a “historic opportunity” for lasting peace in the Middle East. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the TLP “did not obtain the necessary permissions” to hold the rally. City-wide closure Major arterial roads, including Murree Road from Faizabad to Murree Road Chowk, and link roads such as Sir Syed, Moti Mahal, Liaqat Road, Committee Chowk, Waris Khan, Rehmanabad and Shamsabad, have been completely closed. Read: Islamabad moves to thwart TLP protests. Trucks and barriers blocked main and secondary streets. Schools, colleges, universities, wholesale markets, transport hubs and freight services remained closed, leaving the commercial and social life of the city paralyzed. Checkpoints and police patrols were maintained throughout the city. Civil police earlier raided the TLP office at Jamia Masjid Ghausia Zia-ul-Uloom, arresting 77 workers in a pre-emptive crackdown. Access to roads leading to Murree Road and Adiala Prison was blocked. Those arrested were not produced in court, prompting the judiciary to adjourn the hearings without due process. Residents faced severe challenges as patients, sick people and essential service providers struggled to reach their destinations. Wholesale and fruit and vegetable markets were closed, creating shortages and sharp price increases. Public parks were deserted and nightlife establishments, including hotels and food chains, remained closed. Read more: Waste crisis worsens amid protests. Authorities said the measures were necessary to maintain public order. “These measures aim to ensure public safety and avoid disruption,” a police spokesperson said, although some residents have complained about a lack of assistance in adapting to the closures. Yesterday, more than 37 points in the Twin Cities were barricaded with containers, trailers and barriers. Metro Bus services were suspended and side streets were clogged with motorbikes and rickshaws. Security forces deployed over 6,000 personnel, including SP officers and snipers along Murree Road. The police had already tried to arrest the leader of the TLP, Saad Rizvi, in the face of stone throwing from his supporters and the seizure of gas masks and chemicals allegedly intended for the rally. Article 144 remains in force, prohibiting public gatherings, demonstrations and inflammatory speeches.
TLP protests trigger total shutdown of Islamabad and Rawalpindi
