- The TLP march towards Islamabad enters its third day.
- More than 100 party workers 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 continues its progress from Lahore towards Islamabad.
While major routes remain blocked by shipping containers, authorities have begun easing restrictions in select areas of the twin cities to facilitate travelers.
The twin cities have remained under partial lockdown since Friday following a call for protest by the TLP, whose activists attempted to march towards Islamabad in solidarity with the Palestinians.
Mobile internet services were also partially restored in some parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, officials say.
Rawalpindi traffic police has issued a new plan on road routes. According to the Rawalpindi traffic police, of the 43 blocked places in the city, six have been completely reopened, while 35 have been partially cleared. Faizabad remains completely shut for the third consecutive day.
In Rawalpindi, roads leading to residential areas and streets adjacent to 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.
The highway police confirmed that the M-2 highway from Lahore to Islamabad has been reopened and traffic flow is normal. The Islamabad Expressway and the route connecting Ninth Avenue to Double Road have also been partially reopened, although the Faizabad route from 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”.
The traffic police have announced diversions at multiple points near Faizabad. Heavy traffic entry into Islamabad remains suspended, and alternative routes are recommended: 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 instructed to use 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 personnel injured and led to the arrest of more than 100 activists, according to Faisal Kamran of DIG Operations. Protesters also vandalized the Shahdara city police station and damaged public and private properties. The news reported.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Talal Chaudhry earlier said the government was seeking a peaceful solution but would not be “blackmailed by mobs”, accusing the TLP of exploiting sensitive issues for political gain.
