Punjab gridlocked by protests

Punjab Home Department extends Section 144 for another three days

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters have reached Islamabad after breaching all barriers, but road closures across Punjab have brought daily life to a halt.

Entry and exit points of major cities, as well as the provincial capital Lahore, remain sealed, leading to severe disruptions in the supply of essential commodities and mounting public frustration.

The ongoing blockade of motorways, highways and major city arteries has caused shortages of petroleum products, food and other essentials. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has raised alarms, warning of an impending fuel crisis if the situation persists.

Information Secretary of the PPDA Jehanzaib Malik said the supply chain for petrol and diesel in Punjab was critically disrupted. "Many petrol stations are running on reserve stocks and will soon run dry," Malik warned.

He highlighted that Lahore, which consumes an average of 10.3 million litres of fuel daily, received only 4 million litres in the past four days, aggravating the crisis.

The supply chain disruption has also hit food markets hard. Greengrocers and traders across Punjab reported shortages of agricultural produce and other essentials in urban centres.

Many complained that the road closures and stalled goods transport have driven up prices of vegetables, fruits and other kitchen staples. The absence of effective price controls has allowed some traders to exploit the situation, further burdening consumers.

Traffic across key routes remains severely restricted, with the Lahore-Islamabad and Lahore-Sialkot motorways, as well as the Lahore Ring Road and major entry points like Ravi Bridge and Babusabu Interchange, closed for a fourth consecutive day.

Traffic authorities have advised commuters to seek alternative routes or consult the traffic police helpline for guidance before travelling.

A spokesperson for the City Traffic Police confirmed that the closures are part of security measures in light of the PTI's protests in Islamabad.

"The Lahore Ring Road remains closed at all interchanges, and the Lahore-Islamabad and Lahore-Sialkot motorways are shut for all kinds of traffic," the spokesperson said.

However, some routes, including Multan Road and Ferozepur Road, continue to operate normally.

On Monday, authorities briefly reopened the Old Ravi Bridge and Sagian Interchange, allowing smoother traffic flow, but the broader situation remains tense and uncertain.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Punjab Home Department has extended the enforcement of Section 144 for another three days.

The ban, which prohibits protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins and similar activities, was initially imposed to maintain law and order amid heightened security threats.

A notification issued late Monday confirmed the extension of Section 144 from Tuesday, November 26, to Thursday, November 28.

"This decision was made to safeguard lives and property in light of potential threats to public safety," a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department stated.

The Cabinet Committee on Law and Order recommended the extension, citing concerns that public gatherings could become soft targets for terrorist attacks.

OGRA, in coordination with the Petroleum Division, has requested law enforcement agencies through the chief secretaries and Local administration to ensure the unhindered transportation of tank lorries carrying petroleum products to the retail outlets.

A channel has been established between OMCs and District Administration/Law Enforcement agencies to address any issue with the tank lorries in transporting the product.