The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) continued its protest sit-in against Israeli actions in Gaza for the second day on Sunday at the Faizabad interchange in Islamabad.
The large crowds of demonstrators have caused major traffic disruptions, forcing drivers to take longer alternative routes between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while several surrounding roads have been blocked with stones.
On Saturday, the party marched from Liaquat Bagh to Faizabad in solidarity with Palestinians and later decided to stage a sit-in at the interchange, presenting three key demands. TLP workers have set up tents along Faisal Avenue.
“Our sit-in at Faizabad will continue until our demands are met,” declared TLP chief Saad Rizvi, who is leading the protest.
The TLP is urging the government to provide food and medical aid to Palestinians, officially boycott Israeli products, and designate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “terrorist.”
Journalist Nadir Baloch shared a video on X highlighting the road blockades, reporting that TLP workers have also blocked the Islamabad Expressway at Faizabad. Another journalist, Roshan Din Diameri, criticized the TLP’s actions, questioning the impact of the road blockades and why the protesters are not moving towards D Chowk.
In response to the protest, the Islamabad Traffic Police have issued a “diversion plan” to manage traffic flow in light of the TLP sit-in at Faizabad.
“The public is advised to follow the designated routes to avoid any inconvenience,” the police stated.
Under the plan, heavy traffic coming from Lahore will be redirected from Rawat T-Chowk towards Rawalpindi. Additionally, heavy vehicles traveling via GT Road from Peshawar will be diverted from Number 26 Chowki towards the Motorway and Rawalpindi.
Traffic from Murree will be rerouted from Rawal Dam Chowk towards Park Road, Lehtrar Road, and the Expressway.
The statement also emphasized that heavy traffic is prohibited from entering IJP Road.
