Pakistan: Islamabad, Rawalpindi Under Partial Lockdown As Authorities Block TLP Protest | World News

Twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained under partial lockdown for the second consecutive day on Saturday as authorities tightened security in anticipation of a protest by the hard-line Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) group, Dawn reported.

According to Dawn, the government deployed more than 1,200 paramilitary personnel across Punjab to prevent the protest march, which started from Lahore via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, from reaching the capital.

This comes after protesters turned violent on Friday night, leading to clashes with police in Lahore.

According to Dawn, the march, dubbed “Gaza March” by the group, was launched after Friday prayers at the party’s headquarters on Multan Road in Lahore. Thousands of supporters attended the parade led by TLP chief Saad Rizvi; many chanted religious slogans and carried sticks, sticks and bricks.

Islamabad Police said that several cases have been registered against TLP supporters who held rallies at different places in violation of restrictions. Authorities said around 90 protesters were arrested in Tarnol and 54 in Kati Pahari, Dawn reported.

The Tarnol case was opened after about 300 people carrying TLP flags and banners gathered near the Tarnol Railway Crossing, chanting slogans and urging others to join the protest. When the group did not disperse, the police used force and seized the sound systems.

In a separate incident, around 120 TLP supporters reportedly arrived in Kati Pahari from Taxila, armed with batons, salt and slings. As the group prepared to march towards Faizabad, police launched a crackdown that led to more arrests.

Around 110 Frontier Corps personnel have been sent to Lahore and another contingent has been deployed in Gujrat to assist local police in blocking the TLP march, officials said.

Meanwhile, Islamabad remained largely cut off from the rest of the country. Main entry and exit points, as well as internal roads, were closed using approximately 500 shipping containers. The lockdown has disrupted daily life and essential supplies including milk, vegetables, poultry and groceries.

Traders reported that many dairy and poultry shops are out of stock, while vegetable prices have increased due to blockages in the supply chain. They expressed hope that the government would reopen key routes by Sunday to prevent further famine.

Police officials said some blockades were lifted on Saturday night to ease public inconvenience. Roads to the Airport, Ground Zero, Srinagar Expressway, Murree Road (Bara Kahu exit) and Express Road (Koral side) have been reopened.

Despite the high alert, no major TLP demonstrations were reported in Rawalpindi or Islamabad until Saturday and the situation remained largely peaceful.

However, residents continued to face difficulties due to restricted movement and shortage of supplies.