The police posts at Peshawar and GT Road created problems for commuters and caused a log jam on Saturday evening. PHOTO: MUDASSAR RAJA/EXPRESS
Most markets in the capital remained open on Saturday. However, business was slow. Though, that could be explained because it was a weekend.
Roads were not walled off using containers or barricades in the twin cities, though the additional blockades arrived by the roadside along key roads.
Heavy contingents of law enforcers remained deputed at strategic locations and manned all entry points to the city.
They, however, had little to do as traffic remained thin on the roads.
Slow business day
Most markets remained open on Saturday in the capital. It was, however, a slow business day, mainly because of the weekend.
Residents, fearing an impending lockdown of the city and possible days-long closure of streets and markets, tried to extract cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and stock up with supplies.
Unusual rush was witnessed at banks and ATMs where many consumers were seen leaving the booths frustrated after some of the machines ran out of cash.
Taking pre-emptive measures, some banks either locked their ATM booths or cordoned it off using sheets and tents.
Traders expressed their apprehension about the week ahead, fearing disruption of their businesses and their supply chain if the situation between the government and the protesters worsens.
“We suffered badly the last time PTI and PAT were out in the streets of the capital in 2014 and fear the same this time round,” said Mansoor Ahmed, a shopkeeper at Aabpara Market.
He said the protests and sit-ins should be restricted to a designated place and must not disrupt public life in the capital.
Tense calm in Pindi
In Rawalpindi, where most of the roads were blocked on Friday for the impending rally of Awami Muslim League, the situation remained largely calm on Saturday.
Police, though beefed up their presence in the city, placing additional containers alongside Peshawar Road and GT Road in anticipation of blocking the roads. The police were ready to block entrance to the federal capital from Golra Morr, immediately after the Motorway and at T-Chowk in Rawat.
The police posts at Peshawar and GT Road created problems for commuters and caused a log jam on Saturday evening.
Clashes in Banigala
Outside PTI chairman Imran Khan’s residence in Bani Gala, a heavy contingent of police was deployed and there were sporadic clashes between PTI workers and law enforcers.
Police have also erected at least three check points on the road leading to Imran’s house and police kept checking all those passing by.
A Reuters reporter saw more than 100 police officers, some in riot gear, posted near Imran’s residence. There were about 80 PTI supporters near Imran’s house, vowing to protect their leader and demanding that Sharif stand down.
Just before the sunset, however, PTI supporters pelted police with stones who fired tear gas in response.
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM REUTERS
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2016.
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