PTI Protest Enters Second Day, Major Roads Remain Blocked
Islamabad (Qudrat Newspaper) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest entered its second day, continuing to disrupt traffic between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Key routes, including the Islamabad Expressway and Murree Road, remained closed for all types of traffic. PTI’s convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heading towards Islamabad, has departed from the Hazara Interchange.
### Schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad Closed
In response to the ongoing protests, the administration has directed the closure of educational institutions in the twin cities for the day. Security forces are maintaining strict monitoring at all major entry and exit points of the cities. The Rawalpindi-Islamabad metro bus service is also suspended for the second consecutive day.
Due to the roadblocks, patients are facing significant challenges in reaching hospitals, further exacerbating the public’s difficulties.
### PTI Convoy Still Not Entering Islamabad
Despite the ongoing protests, no major PTI convoy has yet entered Islamabad. Additional security personnel have been deployed at 33 key entry points, including in Rawat, Mandra, Chakri, and at 26 Number Chowk. Police special units are patrolling the city, while major intersections such as Faizabad Interchange, IJP Road, and Double Road have been closed with containers.
Mobile phone services in Rawalpindi and Islamabad remain operational, but data services have been blocked. Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi to maintain public order.
### Lahore: Traffic Partially Restored
In Lahore, several roadblocks have been removed. Traffic is partially restored at major locations such as Data Darbar, Azadi Chowk, and Shahdara, where containers and trucks have been cleared to allow vehicles to pass. However, sources say that these routes may be blocked again in case of an emergency. Police are actively present at the sites.
### Faisalabad: PTI Founder and 45 Others Charged, 35 Arrested
In Faisalabad, a case has been registered against PTI founder Imran Khan and 45 others at the Ghulam Muhammad Abad Police Station. The charges include Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with 13 other provisions. Police stated that 35 individuals have been arrested for property damage, attacking police, and other allegations. According to the FIR, the protesters, incited by PTI’s founder, disrupted public order and engaged in acts of terrorism.
### Liakat Baloch: Opposition Protests Damaging the Economy
Liakat Baloch, the Deputy Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has criticized the opposition protests, stating that they are causing damage to the economy. In a statement, he urged the government to focus on finding a political solution instead of complaining about economic losses. Baloch also emphasized the need for national dialogue to resolve the political crisis, highlighting the disconnect between the public and politics due to the failure of the government’s coalition and the protest strategies.
Baloch further called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to prioritize long-term peace in Parachinar.
