For the second day in a row, normal life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi remains heavily disrupted due to ongoing protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), effectively paralyzing the twin cities.
Key highways have been blocked, and mobile services suspended, making daily routines extremely challenging for citizens in both cities. In Islamabad, mobile and internet networks have been shut down, and Metro bus operations have been halted, further complicating transportation. Containers have been placed at critical entry and exit points, including Faizabad, D-Chowk, and 26 No Chungi, to restrict the movement of protesters.
The blockade of roads has caused severe traffic jams, making travel nearly impossible.
On Saturday morning, D-Chowk saw an eerie silence as army and police personnel patrolled the area. Thus far, Islamabad police have managed to confine PTI protesters to the vicinity of the stock exchange.
In the Red Zone, particularly at D-Chowk, there have been intense clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement. Protesters threw stones at the police, who responded with tear gas. Despite several attempts to disperse the crowd, protesters regrouped, continuing their confrontations throughout the day.
Many roads, including the Express Highway, Blue Area, and D-Chowk, were plunged into darkness as street lights were switched off to curb the unrest. Faizabad has turned into a focal point for violent clashes, with intermittent police shelling, and all access points closed off by containers.
Since the protests began, around 20 to 25 PTI workers have been arrested by Islamabad police near 26 No Chungi. A significant number of police, Anti-Riot Force, and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed to key areas, including Faizabad and D-Chowk, to maintain order.
Despite these security measures, PTI protesters remain defiant, determined to continue their demonstrations. The situation is still tense as authorities strive to restore calm.
On Friday night, Pakistan Army troops were officially deployed to manage security in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution. The Interior Ministry directed the deployment, and police and other agencies are assisting the army in maintaining order. Troops are stationed around D-Chowk, where PTI had announced further protests.
