Due to ongoing protests by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) at Liaquat Bagh Chowk in Rawalpindi, the Metro Bus Authority has been closing three key metro stations—Murrar Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, and Waris Khan—for the past nine days. This closure has caused major disruptions for passengers.
Commuters from Murrar Chowk are now being redirected to Saddar Stop, which has proven difficult, especially for female students. Those who normally board at Liaquat Bagh Chowk must now get off at Committee Chowk or Saddar, while passengers from Waris Khan are being directed to Chandni Chowk. This has led to significant inconveniences and longer travel times.
The ongoing station closures have also resulted in a noticeable decline in Metro Bus usage, leading to financial losses for the Metro Bus Authority. A spokesperson from the Authority mentioned that the closures are a necessary measure due to the protests and will continue as long as the demonstration remains.
Passengers have voiced their frustrations, pointing out that other transportation services are running normally despite the protests. Many are calling for at least one side of the closed metro stations to be reopened with heightened security to ease their commute.