Normalcy returns after a day of chaos

RAWALPINDI:

Following a chaotic Saturday, Rawalpindi's daily routine resumed on Sunday, with social, commercial, and business activities back in full swing.

The historic Liaquat Bagh, sealed for 36 hours, was reopened to the public, and all closed shops, hotels, petrol pumps, and sealed streets were accessible once again.

The city's traffic system, including on Murree Road, was fully restored, and the metro bus service resumed operations. Wholesale markets and fruit and vegetable markets, previously closed due to clashes between Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters and police, reopened their doors.

However, concerns linger as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) announced a protest sit-in at Liaquat Bagh Chowk on October 4, against inflation and the non-implementation of electricity price reductions.

This declaration has left shopkeepers near Liaquat Bagh worried and the district administration police on high alert, especially since the JI sit-in protest will be indefinite.

Saturday's PTI protest and demonstration brought the city to a standstill, but Sunday's reopening of roads brought relief to citizens. Sanitation workers from the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company cleaned up Murree Road and Liaquat Bagh Chowk, removing remnants of tear gas shells, rubber bullet casings, and debris.

Residents and shopkeepers are demanding an end to political activities and protests in Liaquat Bagh and Murree Road, citing disruptions and significant financial losses. Chaudhary Imran, a resident of Arya Mohalla, recalled the intense shelling that affected local families, while Hafiz Sajid emphasised the need for an alternative location for protests.