ISLAMABAD: Major roads are still blocked and daily life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi disrupt for the second consecutive day on Saturday after a religious outfit gave the call for a march to the capital against Israeli war on Gaza.
The blockades have badly affected routine life and disrupted traffic, education, commerce, and communications.
Major thoroughfares, including the Rawalpindi Expressway, Faizabad, and IGP Road, remain completely closed.
The Faizabad interchange, Khanna Pul, Kuri Road, and Dhok Kala Khan routes are also blocked. Other affected areas include Waris Khan, Committee Chowk, Sixth Road, Shamsabad, and Iran Road. Access routes from Rawalpindi Road, Shaheen Chowk, and the old airport are similarly sealed, leaving commuters with very limited options.
Authorities have installed containers to block most entry points into Islamabad, while the Red Zone has been completely sealed. Only Margalla Road remains open for limited traffic.
Heavy traffic restrictions in Rawalpindi, combined with closed airport routes, have resulted in delays for flights and created severe commuting challenges for residents.
Internet services remain suspended for a second consecutive day, while educational institutions and Metrobus services continue to remain closed. Police forces are deployed at key locations, including Faizabad, and all hotels in the area have been sealed as a precautionary measure.
Officials have emphasized that these measures are temporary and aimed at preventing any escalation of violence during the protests. Security forces are maintaining a close watch on the situation, and citizens have been advised to avoid travel to protest-affected areas to ensure their safety.
Local businesses and transport operators have raised concerns over the prolonged disruption, warning that extended closures could lead to significant economic losses and impede essential services.
Residents have reported severe difficulties commuting, with many forced to work from home, postpone daily routines, or find alternative travel arrangements.
Analysts suggest that if the protests continue for several more days, the economic and social impact on the twin cities could be substantial. While authorities are engaging with protest leaders to seek a resolution, the situation remains tense, and residents are bracing for further disruptions.
