Business as usual in Islamabad despite PTI strike call

ISLAMABAD:

A strike called by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday failed to gain traction in Islamabad as daily life remained largely intact across the federal capital.

Business activities and public services continued as usual, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) proceeding with its weekly Sunday bazaars as planned. Although public life remained operational, the Islamabad district administration took precautionary measures by suspending metropolitan bus services in anticipation of possible protests.

This decision, however, caused inconvenience to some travelers. Despite the PTI’s announcement to observe February 8 as a “Black Day”, transport terminals remained open and traffic flowed normally on the city’s main roads.

Read more: PTI strike draws mixed response across KP amid February 8 protest call

Police personnel were deployed along key roads and Safe City cameras monitored important routes including Faizabad, Club Road and Srinagar Highway. Authorities reported no incidents of roadblocks and mobile police squads were active throughout the day to ensure law and order.

Meanwhile, a protest rally organized by Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayin Pakistan (TTAP) took place near Faisal Mosque. Led by Allama Raja Senator Nasir Abbas, the rally also protested the 2024 general elections.

A heavy police presence was seen on both sides of the demonstration and participants were informed that Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings and processions, had been imposed. Despite this, protesters chanted anti-government slogans before peacefully dispersing at the Faisal mosque.

Speaking to the media after the rally, Abbas alleged that two women were detained for waving PTI flags, even though the protest remained peaceful.

He criticized the authorities for suppressing peaceful demonstrations and expressed concern about the suppression of voter participation in the February 8 elections. He added that the country was in mourning and demanded the release of all political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan.