Pindi braces for long closure

City administration blocks all major roads; public, metro bus service suspended

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi administration on Wednesday closed all major roads by placing containers as workers of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) announced to march on Faizabad. The eight kilometres long Murree Road from Murir Chowk to Faizabad Interchange has been sealed for all kinds of traffic while the metro bus service and public transport was suspended for an indefinite period.

Heavy contingents of the police and Rangers have also been deployed on Murree Road, Liaquat Road, Moti Mahal Chowk, Committee Chowk and other roads to maintain the law and order situation.

Rawalpindi City Police Officers (CPO) Muhammad Ahsan Younis along with other police high-ups visited different metro stations on Murree Road. Police officials said that the two-way traffic between the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi would be sealed at any time.

A Rawalpindi police official told The Express Tribune that the Murree Road will be sealed in the same manner like it was done earlier this week. Meanwhile, citizens faced extreme difficulties due to sporadic impediments while this also resulted in the closure of markets across the city. Private and public educational institutions also remained closed on Wednesday.

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Due to the absence of public transport, people were seen walking on the roads to reach their destinations. The closure of GT and other roads resulted in mayhem of private vehicles.

The obstructions across the city had been removed on Sunday after the interior minister announced a successful negotiant with the banned TLP. However, the citizens of Rawalpindi will be again in a quandary in the days to come. The citizens of Rawalpindi said that it was incomprehensible that the protesters were assembled near Wazirabad but the whole Rawalpindi has been sealed.

Amid the coronavirus and dengue virus situation, several citizens could not reach healthcare facilities as the pathways remained packed.

Police finalise strategy

Rawalpindi police have decided not to resort to the use of ammunition in case of a clash with the TLP activists. Sources said the police force has been dispensed anti-riot equipment along with catapults.

Sources said that the anti-riot squad will remain in front to deal with the protesters or those welcoming them on their arrival. The force will be equipped with tear-gas shells and guns, batons, shields, and other safety equipment.