RAWALPINDI:
Life in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad came to a virtual standstill on Tuesday as unprecedented security measures were put in place for the arrival of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad and the central Muharram Mehdi procession in Rawalpindi.
Authorities implemented extensive security measures, including placing hundreds of shipping containers in key locations, resulting in the closure of major roads, shopping malls, transport terminals, educational institutions, courts and public transport services.
The restrictions caused serious disruption to daily life, leaving travelers, traders and day laborers among the worst affected.
Large sections of Rawalpindi, particularly areas surrounding Chaklala and Nur Khan airbase, remained under strict security lockdown. Roads such as Khanna Road, Jahaz Ground, Shakrial and Sadiqabad were completely sealed, while residents were prohibited from accessing rooftops, flying kites or releasing pigeons within the restricted zones.
Metro Bus services between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Green Electric Bus services, public coaches and other modes of public transport remained suspended throughout the day. Major transport terminals, including Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, as well as 55 passenger transport terminals and 10 goods transport depots in the twin cities were also closed.
The suspension of freight transportation affected the supply of food and basic products, while the closure of wholesale markets and shopping centers left thousands of day laborers without work or daily income.
Judicial proceedings were also significantly disrupted. The Islamabad High Court, Constitutional Courts and other judicial institutions remained closed, while undertrial prisoners at Adiala Jail were unable to appear in court due to security restrictions, leading to a halt in court proceedings.
Later in the evening, security measures were further intensified for the central Muharram Mehndi procession in Rawalpindi, one of the largest and longest religious processions in the city. The procession, which passes through several major commercial areas including Sadiqabad, Muslim Town, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, Committee Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Kalan Bazaar and Jamia Masjid Road, prompted authorities to seal the entire route with containers well before sunset. Shops and markets that had opened briefly during the day were instructed to close before the procession began.
Road closures also created difficulties for ambulance services and emergency services, while passengers arriving from other cities were dropped at locations outside the city, including Swan Camp and Chhabis Chowngi, forcing many families to arrange expensive taxi or rickshaw transport.
As a precautionary measure, public parks, including Allama Iqbal Park and Shehbaz Sharif Park, remained closed and jogging activities were suspended in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Citizens, merchants and representatives of the District Bar Association expressed concern about the widespread closure and urged authorities to adopt alternative security measures for future visits by foreign dignitaries.
They suggested that VIP facilities should be established near airports to minimize disruption to urban life, adding that closure of courts and complete suspension of civic activities should be avoided wherever possible.
