PTI rally: Authorities block key routes in Twin Cities

Ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) public rally at Sangjani, authoritites have blocked major roads in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas with containers and barriers.

Authorities have also sealed several key routes connecting Rawalpindi to Islamabad.

PTI is all set to flex its political muscles today in Islamabad under the looming shadow of the freshly minted Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Bill 2024.

Roads such as Old Airport Road from Koral Chowk, Rawat T-Chowk, and GT Road at Mandra have been closed. The Faizabad link to Islamabad and barriers at Mareer Chowk have added to the disruption.

Key city routes like Raja Bazaar to Murree Road and Satellite Town to Pirwadhai are also blocked. Similarly, the GT Road at Taxila and Margalla at Sangjani remain inaccessible.

The area around 26 Number Chungi is also sealed off.

Other affected areas include Gandum Godam, Golra Mor, and Tarnoal Phatak, all of which are blocked by containers. The Motorway at Old Toll Plaza is also obstructed, further straining the movement of citizens.

All side streets leading to Murree Road and the Expressway from Rawalpindi are closed, leaving motorcyclists struggling to find alternate paths. The road closures have caused significant difficulties for the residents.

Metro bus services between the twin cities are completely halted. Green and Blue bus services in Islamabad are also suspended, though mobile phone and internet services remain functional.

In Islamabad, all entry points are sealed, and roads leading to the Red Zone are blocked with containers. Police and Rangers are deployed at key intersections. Roads from Murree to Islamabad, including Satrah Meel Toll Plaza and Bhara Kahu bypass, are also closed off.

Serena Chowk, Marriott Chowk, and NADRA Chowk are inaccessible, and key routes to Bani Gala and the Secretariat have been blocked.

With President Asif Ali Zardari having inked the bill into law on Saturday, the political stage gained a new twist.

Nonetheless, with the clock ticking, the party readied the federal capital on the eve of the rally, with key party leaders overseeing the preparations at a site near the Sangjani Cattle Market.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, alongside other key party figures including Omer Ayub and Asad Qaiser, pulled out all the stops to ensure the event's success.

On Friday, the Islamabad district administration gave the green light with a no-objection certificate (NOC), clearing the way for today's event.

Speaking to the media at the rally site, Barrister Gohar Khan said the party will hold a peaceful rally, urging the authorities to avoid creating hurdles.

"Our rally will be peaceful, and we have an NOC. No obstacles should be placed in our way," he said.

He pointed out the rally is for the public, votes and true freedom.

In addition, PTI leader Asad Qaiser along with PKMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai held a presser at the rally's venue on Saturday.

The PTI leader said the capital is set to host a historical gathering. He appealed to all Pakistanis particularly the residents of twin cities to attend the PTI rally.