Govt draws the line as TLP protests choke twin cities

محسن نقوی اورطلال چوہدری کا فیض آباد پہنچ گئے#TLPMarchForPalestin #TLP pic.twitter.com/UtUomKZd4I

With the protest call gaining traction, Islamabad and Rawalpindi went into lockdown on Friday — roads were sealed, communication lines disrupted, public movement came to a standstill, and all entry points were closed.

Containers were placed at Faizabad Interchange to block entry into Islamabad from Rawalpindi. At least 37 points across the city were sealed off with containers, trailers, and barriers to prevent further mobilisation of TLP supporters.

“The state will not permit anyone to take the law into hands,” Naqvi asserted during a late-night visit to Faizabad, where he reviewed security arrangements. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accompanied him.

Read More: Islamabad, Rawalpindi in lockdown, entry points sealed ahead of TLP rally

Naqvi inspected various security checkpoints and reviewed the deployment of Islamabad Police and Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel. He met officers and jawans stationed at different points, lauding their dedication to maintaining peace and order in the capital.

The interior minister reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on upholding law and order, emphasising that protecting citizens’ lives and property remains the top priority.

“You are all soldiers of Pakistan,” Naqvi told the security personnel. “You are playing a key role in upholding the rule of law, and the entire nation acknowledges your service.”

He also enquired about the food and rest arrangements of personnel on duty and directed the Inspector General of Islamabad Police to ensure full logistical support and welfare facilities for officers and staff deployed in the field.

لاہور، ٹی ایل پی کا لانگ مارچ، راوی پل کے مناظر#TLPMarchForPalestin #TLP #TLPProtest pic.twitter.com/atOCRir3ri

Senior officials, including the Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and other relevant authorities, also accompanied the minister during the inspection. Meanwhile, Chaudhry clarified that the demonstrations were not linked to Gaza or Palestine as claimed by the party.

“The people of Gaza are content after the recent developments, and Muslim countries are also expressing satisfaction. If that issue is resolved, what is the need to protest in their name?” Chaudhry questioned.

He revealed that more than a dozen police and Rangers personnel had been injured in Lahore due to violent clashes with TLP supporters, who also destroyed the Safe City cameras to avoid identification.

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Chaudhry said the government is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the provincial authorities. Several suspects carrying sticks, nails, and glass balls have been arrested, and video evidence of their violent acts — including footage of a police officer being abducted — has been obtained.

The minister clarified that only one road in Lahore remains closed, while others have been reopened. “We are trying to resolve the situation without the use of force, but one thing is certain — the protesters will not be allowed to advance,” he stressed.

He added, internet service, temporarily suspended due to intelligence concerns, has been restored, and any remaining closed routes would soon reopen.

City at standstill

Metro Bus Service has been suspended while key thoroughfares and arteries along Murree Road, in Faizabad, around Moti Mahal Chowk, in Shamsabad, Dhoke Kala Khan, IJP Road, Pandora Chungi, Khanna Pul, Chak Madad and all roads connecting to Islamabad have been sealed.

The Red Zone and Extended Red Zone are barricaded and GT Road is blocked at Taxila Chowk, Brahma Interchange, Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, Chak Beli Mor, Gujar Khan, Mandra Toll Plaza, and Chakwal Mor.

Complete closure of roads and intersections has paralysed the city’s traffic system. Murree Road’s shutdown caused massive congestion on side streets, with motorcycles and rickshaws overflowing into narrow lanes, making it difficult for residents to step out.

The Punjab Public Service Commission has postponed the SDO (Pera) exams, which were to be held on October 11 and 12 in Lahore and other cities. New dates for the exams are to be announced later.

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Routine services at courts were disprupted with low attendance for hearings at civil courts and police unable to produce inmates from Adiala Jail. By 9.30 am, district courts were vacant, with scribe reports describing Kachehri as 'deserted'.

Prison vans were stationed at intersections on Mareer Hassan, Liaquat Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Committee Chowk, and Faizabad, among others.

The Senate session was adjourned indefinitely after the required quorum could not be met. "Most lawmakers could not reach the Senate because roads are blocked due to a religious group's activity in Islamabad," said Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

On Thursday, the police moved to raid TLP headquarters in a bid to arrest the party's chief Saad Rizvi and faced retaliation by the party's supporters. TLP members pelted stones on police personnel on Multan Road. Police retaliated and fired tear gas to disperse the TLP mobs.

Gas masks, chemicals and other supplies were also seized from TLP workers, Chaudhry said while addressing a press conference later in the day. The party intended to use these during the rally, he added.

Section 144 is in effect across the twin cities, with a ban imposed on public gatherings, rallies, protests, demonstations and assemblies besides a ban on pillion riding, and provocative speeches.