The metro bus service has been suspended in Rawalpindi while several major roads have been blocked by containers due to Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) protest and planned long march from Lahore to Islamabad in order to force the government to fulfil its promise made a few months ago to expel the French ambassador to Pakistan and release their chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, the son of late founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi.
In order to prepare for the TLP long march towards Islamabad, the authorities have shut down metro bus service in Rawalpindi as well as blocked roads, including link roads from Marir Chowk to Faizabad Interchange and Murree Road to the inner city have been closed for traffic, while Shamsabad and Faizabad to Islamabad have also been sealed with containers to keep TLP from entering the capital or staging protest or sit-in (dharna) at Faizabad Interchange or any other important main roads.
Read more: Rawalpindi, Islamabad roads blocked due to TLP Protest.
The metro bus service has been suspended from Saddar to IJP Road in Rawalpindi but the service will remain operational from IJP Road towards Islamabad. Capital Traffic Police (CTP) spokesperson has stated that Park Road, Tramri Chowk, and Lehtar Road could be used as an alternate route to reach Islamabad Highway while Srinagar Highway, Ninth Avenue, and IJP Road can be used to reach Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi Traffic Police has issued a statement in regards to the arrangements to deal with TLP long march to Islamabad or any possible TLP Protest or Dharna. In the statement, it said that Murree Road and Rawal Road have been closed for commuters while Old Airport Road and Mall Road are open. The district administration have sealed Gawalmandi, Saddar Road, and Kamran Market.
It bears mentioning that heavy contingents of law enforcement personnel have been deployed at major intersections, including Tarnol, Rawat, and Bhara Kahu while containers have also been placed at these points. The blockades have caused difficulties to the citizens while commuting to schools, colleges and work.
Follow INCPAK on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram for updates.