Metro bus service halted; restaurants, guesthouses ordered shut for PTI rally

ISLAMABAD: The metro bus service has been completely suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi today due to the scheduled rally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at the location of Sangjani area of the capital.

The rally, permitted for the afternoon, has prompted heightened security measures in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

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According to the Metrobus administration, service from Rawalpindi’s Sadar station to the Pak Secretariat has been halted, with a complete closure of the metro bus system at Faizabad on the Rawalpindi main highway.

Additionally, parts of the Islamabad Expressway have been closed to traffic at various points. However, authorities have assured that alternative routes connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad remain open.

RESTAURANTS, GUESTHOUSES CLOSED

In a related move, all restaurants, guesthouses, and shops near the rally site have been ordered to close. According to sources, the Sangjani police have issued directives that no accommodation, food, or goods are to be provided to anyone from September 7 to 9.

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A formal notice has been issued to businesses around the PTI rally area in this regard, reinforcing the ban on providing any services to participants. The police have warned that violations of this order will result in legal action and will lead to penalties.

The capital city administration has granted permission to PTI for rally under 40 different restrictions.