The administration has put both the city of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on high alert amid fears of a potential religious protest with heightened security measures on key routes. Both the cities have been blocked by police and district authorities, with road blocks to ensure law and order.
According to officials, more than 37 security block points have been set up across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with containers and barriers placed on Murree Road, Faizabad, Shamsabad, Dhoke Kala Khan, IJP Road, Khanna Pul, and Chak Madad. All connecting roads between Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been sealed, affecting intercity travel and transport services.
Section 144 Imposed and Metro Bus Service Suspended
More than 6,000 police officers have been stationed all over the city to control the situation. The police have used Section 144 which prohibited rallies, mass gatherings,, and processions for four days. Pillion riding has been limited to avoid high group movements.
Schools, Shops, and Internet Services Closed in Rawalpindi
Most schools, colleges, banks, and markets in Rawalpindi were closed today because of the security situation. The roads were closed leading to huge traffic jams which prevented citizens, students and government employees to get to offices. This scenario also brought about the issue of ambulances and emergency vehicles on major roads.
Moreover, Islamabad and Rawalpindi suspended the services of mobile and internet, which made communication difficult and inconvenient for the residents.
Lahore Also Affected: Metro and Orange Line Train Suspended
As a result of such security fears, the Orange Line Train and Metro Bus services in the city have been discontinued by the authorities in Lahore. Major terminals such as City Terminal and Rahbar Terminal were closed and citizens were left with transport challenges.
Several educational institutions in Lahore also announced a holiday, and Punjab University’s LLB exams scheduled for today were postponed. The new exam dates will be announced later.
