Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain under the blockade that began yesterday, with roads sealed, communication lines cut and public movement paralyzed. The religious political party held an anti-Israel rally in front of the US embassy in Islamabad on Friday. Hamas and Israel signed a ceasefire on Thursday, in which Israeli captives will be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in line with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative to end the war in Gaza. Islamabad has described the plan as a “historic opportunity” for lasting peace in the Middle East. Minister of State for Home Affairs Talal Chaudhry said the TLP “did not obtain the necessary permissions” to hold the rally. City-wide closure Major arteries, including Murree Road from Faizabad to Murree Road Chowk, and link roads like Sir Syed, Moti Mahal, Liaqat Road, Committee Chowk, Waris Khan, Rehmanabad and Shamsabad, were completely sealed. Read: Islamabad takes steps to thwart TLP protest Trucks and barriers blocked main and secondary roads. Schools, colleges, universities, wholesale markets, transport centers and goods transport services remained closed, paralyzing the commercial and social life of the city. Police checkpoints and patrols were maintained throughout the city. Earlier, the Civil Lines Police raided the TLP office at Jamia Masjid Ghausia Zia-ul-Uloom and arrested 77 workers in a preventive crackdown. Access to the lanes leading to Murree Road and Adiala Jail was blocked. The detainees were not presented before the court, which led the judiciary to postpone the hearings without proceeding. Residents faced severe hardship, and patients, the sick, and essential service providers struggled to reach their destinations. Wholesale and fruit and vegetable markets were closed, leading to shortages and sharp price increases. Public parks were deserted and nightlife businesses, including hotels and food chains, remained closed. Read more: Garbage crisis deepens amid protests Authorities said the measures were necessary to maintain law and order. “These measures are intended to ensure public safety and prevent disruption,” a police spokesperson said, although some residents complained about a lack of assistance in navigating the closures. Yesterday, more than 37 points in the twin cities were blocked with containers, trailers and barriers. Metro Bus services were suspended and side streets were clogged with motorcycles and rickshaws. Security forces deployed over 6,000 personnel including SP rank officers and snipers along Murree Road. Police had earlier attempted to arrest TLP chief Saad Rizvi, facing stone attacks from his followers and confiscating gas masks and chemicals supposedly intended for the rally. Section 144 remains in force and prohibits public gatherings, protests and inflammatory speeches.
