PTI Protest Rawalpindi: Roads closed, Metro services suspended

RAWALPINDI: Due to the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) protest in Rawalpindi today, several key roads towards the city have been closed off with containers and metro service has been suspended.

PTI founder Imran Khan told reporters earlier this week that the party’s planned September 28 rally in Rawalpindi would be replaced with a protest.

In reaction to the announcement of the PTI protest, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in Rawalpindi division for two days banning public gatherings in the city.

Key locations in Rawalpindi, including Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, Kacha Stop, Gulzar-e-Quaid, Shamsabad, Faizabad, IJP Road, Double Road, Katariyan Bridge, Pandora Chowk, and Khanna Pul, have been sealed off.

Similarly, Islamabad will be sealed at T-Chowk, Koral, Khanna, Faizabad, IJP Junction, 26 Number, Golra Mor, B-17, and Margalla Cut on GT Road. These areas will be blocked using a three-tier system of containers, dumpers, loaded trucks, and barbed wire.

Containers have been placed to block access to Liaquat Bagh, the protest site, including routes from Taxila to Rawalpindi.

In anticipation of the protest, a heavy police presence has been deployed both inside and outside the park, with authorities even removing individuals who came for leisurely walks in the area.

Additionally, side streets around Murree Road have also been sealed off with containers.

Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi as PTI gears up for protest tomorrow

The Metro Bus service has been suspended between Saddar and Faizabad due to the protest call by the PTI. However, the Metro service from IJP Road to the Secretariat remains operational.

Meanwhile, traffic on Islamabad Highway continues to flow, though containers have been placed along the sides at Khanna Pul.

The main entry point from Islamabad to Murree Road has been blocked at Faiz-ul-Islam, with containers on both sides of Faizabad.

Despite the roadblocks, the Faizabad Flyover on Islamabad Expressway remains open, along with IJP Colonel Sher Khan Road, allowing some traffic movement.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation.