Security measures disrupt daily life in Rawalpindi

Al-Aqsa March causes internet, metro bus, general transport disruption

RAWALPINDI:

The city and cantonment areas of Rawalpindi came to a complete halt on Friday due to extraordinary security arrangements made to stop Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan's (TLP) Al-Aqsa March.

All social, business, and commercial activities remained suspended.

Roads were completely blocked, halting ambulances and public transport, while internet and mobile services were shut down.

Educational institutions, banks, colleges, and universities were closed, and even ATMs were out of service.

Due to the closure of goods transport, the supply of flour, sugar, fruits, and vegetables from rural and nearby areas stopped, while hotels and hostels remained sealed. Murree Road, from Mareer Chowk to Faizabad, was completely blocked with containers, barbed wires, trucks, and pushcarts.

All petrol pumps and metro bus stations along Murree Road were sealed, and police were deployed throughout the route.

The city remained paralyzed from dawn to late night. Prison vans were parked at every intersection along Murree Road, arresting anyone who attempted to enter the area.

Police detained 135 individuals. With major roads sealed, streets across Rawalpindi turned into makeshift highways as rickshaws, cars, and motorcycles tried to navigate through. Movement became extremely difficult for residents.

Mosques along Murree Road and adjacent areas were only allowed to open for prayers.

Hospital operations were severely affected; OPDs functioned at minimal capacity, and only a few patients showed up.

No women or children visited hospitals. Doctors' attendance was disrupted, forcing the cancellation of 31 surgeries. Even ambulances of public and private hospitals remained idle.

Motorcyclists heading to work were seen crawling under containers to pass through.

With no public transport, men, women, and children were forced to walk five to seven kilometers on foot. Motorcycle ride-hailing drivers charged Rs400 per ride instead of the usual Rs100.

Closure of wholesale fruit and vegetable markets caused prices to skyrocket.

Murree Road was turned into a complete no-go zone, where even men with beards were reportedly detained by police. Both sides of the road, including banks and shops, remained shuttered, while major electronics and jewellery markets were closed.

Labourers who usually gathered along Murree Road seeking daily work were driven away. Police vehicles, armoured carriers, and Dolphin Force patrolled the city, and flag marches continued throughout the day.

Due to the deployment of security personnel for the march, no prisoners were brought from Adiala Jail to the courts in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

As a result, hearings of 18,958 cases in district, sessions, and special courts were postponed without any proceedings.

Lawyers and litigants could not reach the courts due to road closures.

The District Bar Association, led by President Sardar Manzar and Secretary Malik Asad Mahmood, formally requested the District and Sessions Judge Abid Rizwan Abid to adjourn all hearings.

The request was accepted, and by 9:30am, both district courts in Rawalpindi and Islamabad were empty.

Police sources said prisoners would also not be presented before courts on Saturday.

Transport terminals, including Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, remained closed, forcing passengers to turn to trains.