Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan, is witnessing a significant protest organized by opposition parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl. The protest aims to highlight grievances over soaring prices, prompting convoys from across the country to converge on Islamabad.
In response to the opposition’s protest plans, authorities have strategically placed containers at various points, effectively blocking major thoroughfares and causing severe disruptions to civilian movement. The blockade, which began late Thursday night, remains in effect as of the morning hours, with eight locations within Islamabad’s internal roads currently barricaded.
Roads such as GT Road, coming from Lahore towards Rawalpindi via T-Chowk, have been closed, redirecting citizens towards Rawalpindi Saddar for presidential travel. Similarly, GT Road has been closed to convoys coming from Peshawar. Islamabad Expressway, particularly at Zero Point, and Murree Road at GT Road’s interchange have also been affected by container blockades.
In twin cities, Sangam Faizabad has been sealed with heavy police presence, while Islamabad Expressway at Zero Point and roads leading to the federal capital’s Red Zone, including Serena Chowk and D-Chowk, have been cordoned off.
The opposition’s protest underscores mounting public dissatisfaction with economic policies, demanding immediate government action amidst rising inflation and economic hardships. As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor and manage traffic diversions to mitigate further disruptions.
