Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated that no group or mob will be allowed to march on Islamabad or any other city under any circumstances, as the government beefed up security in the federal capital amid a call for protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.
The religious political party organized an anti-Israel demonstration in front of the US embassy in Islamabad on the same day.
The protest came a day after Hamas and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement under which Israeli captives will be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, in line with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative to end the war in Gaza.
Islamabad has called Trump’s plan a “historic opportunity” for lasting peace in the Middle East.
As the call for protest gained traction, Islamabad and Rawalpindi went into lockdown on Friday: roads were sealed, communication lines disrupted, public movement paralyzed and all entry points closed.
Containers were placed at Faizabad crossing to block the entry to Islamabad from Rawalpindi. At least 37 points throughout the city were sealed with containers, trailers and barriers to prevent further mobilization of TLP supporters.
“The state will not allow anyone to take justice into their own hands,” Naqvi said during an evening visit to Faizabad, where he reviewed security measures. He was accompanied by the Minister of State for the Interior, Talal Chaudhry.
Read more: Islamabad and Rawalpindi locked down, entry points sealed ahead of TLP rally
Naqvi inspected various security checkpoints and reviewed the deployment of Islamabad Police and Federal Police (FC) personnel. He met officers and jawans stationed at different points and praised their dedication in maintaining peace and order in the capital.
The Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on maintaining law and order, emphasizing that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the top priority.
“You are all soldiers of Pakistan,” Naqvi told the security personnel. “They are playing a key role in upholding the rule of law and the entire nation recognizes their service.”
He also inquired about the food and rest arrangements for duty personnel and directed the Inspector General of Police Islamabad to ensure full logistical support and welfare facilities for officers and staff deployed on the ground.
Senior officials including Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and other relevant authorities also accompanied the minister during the inspection. Meanwhile, Chaudhry clarified that the demonstrations were not linked to Gaza or Palestine as the party claims.
“The people of Gaza are happy after recent events, and Muslim countries are also expressing satisfaction. If that issue is resolved, what need is there to protest on their behalf?” -Chaudhry questioned-.
He revealed that more than a dozen police and Rangers members had been injured in Lahore due to violent clashes with TLP supporters, who also destroyed Safe City cameras to prevent identification.
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Chaudhry said the government is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with provincial authorities. Several suspects carrying sticks, nails and glass balls were arrested, and video evidence of their violent acts was obtained, including footage of the kidnapping of a police officer.
The minister clarified that in Lahore only one road remains closed, while others have been reopened. “We are trying to resolve the situation without the use of force, but one thing is certain: the protesters will not be allowed to advance,” he emphasized.
He added that Internet service, temporarily suspended due to intelligence concerns, has been restored and that any remaining closed routes will soon reopen.
paralyzed city
Metro Bus service has been suspended while key roads and arteries along Murree Road in Faizabad, around Moti Mahal Chowk in Shamsabad, Dhoke Kala Khan, IJP Road, Pandora Chungi, Khanna Pul, Chak Madad and all roads connecting to Islamabad have been sealed.
The Red Zone and Extended Red Zone are barricaded and GT Road is blocked at Taxila Chowk, Brahma Interchange, Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, Chak Beli Mor, Gujar Khan, Mandra Toll Plaza and Chakwal Mor.
The complete closure of roads and intersections has paralyzed the city’s traffic system. The closure of Murree Road caused massive congestion on side streets, with motorcycles and rickshaws overflowing into narrow lanes, making it difficult for residents to get out.
The Punjab Public Service Commission has postponed the SDO (Pera) exams, which were to be held on October 11 and 12 in Lahore and other cities. New exam dates will be announced later.
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Routine court services were disrupted due to low attendance at civil court hearings and police were unable to release inmates from Adiala Jail. By 9:30 a.m., the district courts were empty and scribes’ reports described Kachehri as “desert”.
The prison vans were parked at Mareer Hassan, Liaquat Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Committee Chowk and Faizabad intersections, among others.
The Senate session was suspended indefinitely as the required quorum could not be achieved. “Most lawmakers could not reach the Senate because roads are blocked due to the activity of a religious group in Islamabad,” said federal minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
On Thursday, police stormed the TLP headquarters in a bid to arrest party chief Saad Rizvi and faced retaliation from party supporters. TLP members pelted stones at police personnel on Multan Road. The police retaliated and fired tear gas to disperse the TLP mobs.
Gas masks, chemicals and other supplies were also confiscated from TLP workers, Chaudhry said at a news conference later that day. The party intended to use them during the demonstration, he added.
Section 144 is in force in all the twin cities, with a ban on public meetings, rallies, protests, demonstrations and assemblies, in addition to a ban on passenger travel and provocative speeches.
