Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi stayed on partial lockdown for the second day in a row after authorities stepped up security ahead of a protest by the hard‑line group Tehreek‑i‑Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Police and paramilitary forces blocked key roads to keep the TLP march from reaching the capital, according to local news outlet Dawn.
The government sent more than 1,200 paramilitary troops to Punjab to stop the TLP march that started in Lahore, heading toward the capital along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. The march, called the “Gaza March” by the group, began after Friday prayers from the party’s headquarters on Multan Road. TLP leader Saad Rizvi led thousands of supporters, many of whom chanted religious slogans and carried sticks, rods, and even bricks.
Police in Islamabad announced that they had registered dozens of cases against TLP supporters who held rallies in violation of the lockdown orders. In Tarnol, the authorities arrested 90 protesters, while another 54 were taken into custody from Kati Pahari. The Tarnol case started when around 300 people gathered near the railway crossing, waving TLP flags and banners. When they refused to leave, police used force and seized their sound systems. A separate incident saw about 120 supporters from Taxila arrive at Kati Pahari armed with batons, salt, and slingshots, prompting a crackdown that led to more arrests.
Around 110 Frontier Corps troops were stationed in Lahore, with another unit sent to Gujrat to support local police in blocking the TLP march. Meanwhile, Islamabad remained largely isolated from the rest of the country. Major entry and exit points, as well as internal routes, were sealed with about 500 shipping containers. The lockdown disrupted everyday life and essential supplies, including milk, vegetables, poultry, and groceries.
Traders noted that many dairy and poultry shops ran out of stock, and vegetable prices spiked due to supply chain blockages. Many hoped the government would reopen key routes by Sunday to prevent further shortages. Police said they partially lifted some blockades on Saturday night to reduce inconvenience. Roads leading to the airport, Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Murree Road (Bara Kahu exit), and the Expressway (Koral side) were reopened.
Despite the high alert, no major TLP demonstrations were reported in Rawalpindi or Islamabad on Saturday, and the overall situation stayed calm. Residents, however, continued to struggle with restricted movement and limited supplies. The government is monitoring the situation closely as it prepares for any further unrest.
Source: aninews
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