Security curbs disrupt life in twin cities

Authorities seal major routes amid VIP visit, religious procession

RAWALPINDI:

Life across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad came to a near standstill on Tuesday as unprecedented security arrangements were enforced for the arrival of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad and the central Muharram Mehdi procession in Rawalpindi.

Authorities implemented extensive security measures, including the placement of hundreds of shipping containers at key locations, resulting in the closure of major roads, commercial centres, transport terminals, educational institutions, courts and public transport services.

The restrictions caused severe disruption to daily life, leaving commuters, traders and daily wage labourers among the worst affected.

Large sections of Rawalpindi, particularly areas surrounding Chaklala and Nur Khan Airbase, remained under strict security lockdown. Roads including Khanna Road, Jahaz Ground, Shakrial and Sadiqabad were completely sealed, while residents were prohibited from accessing rooftops, flying kites or releasing pigeons within the restricted zones.

Metro Bus services between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Green Electric Bus services, public wagons and other modes of public transport remained suspended throughout the day. Major transport terminals, including the General Bus Stand at Pirwadhai, as well as 55 passenger transport terminals and 10 goods transport depots across the twin cities, were also closed.

The suspension of goods transport affected the supply of food and essential commodities, while the closure of wholesale markets and commercial centres left thousands of daily wage earners without work or income for the day.

Judicial proceedings were also significantly disrupted. The Islamabad High Court, Constitutional Courts and other judicial institutions remained closed, while under-trial prisoners from Adiala Jail could not be produced before courts because of the security restrictions, bringing court proceedings to a halt.

Later in the evening, security measures were further intensified for Rawalpindi's central Muharram Mehndi procession, one of the city's largest and longest religious processions. The procession, which passes through several major commercial areas including Sadiqabad, Muslim Town, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, Committee Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Kalan Bazaar and Jamia Masjid Road, prompted authorities to seal the entire route with containers well before sunset. Shops and markets that had briefly opened during the day were instructed to close before the procession commenced.

Road closures also created difficulties for ambulance services and emergency responders, while passengers arriving from other cities were dropped at locations outside the city, including Swan Camp and Chhabis Chowngi, forcing many families to arrange costly onward transport by taxi or rickshaw.

As a precautionary measure, public parks, including Allama Iqbal Park and Shehbaz Sharif Park, remained closed, and jogging activities were suspended in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Citizens, traders and representatives of the District Bar Association expressed concern over the extensive shutdown, urging the authorities to adopt alternative security arrangements for future visits by foreign dignitaries.

They suggested that dedicated VIP facilities should be established near airports to minimise disruption to urban life, adding that the closure of courts and the complete suspension of civic activities should be avoided wherever possible.