Capital shut for second day, PTI protesters near Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The federal capital is almost sealed for the second consecutive day on Monday with PTI protesters still far away from the entry point of Islamabad.

A large number of people are moving to Islamabad from Khyber Pakthunkhwa under the head of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi is also among those leading the protesters to Islamabad.

The PTI protesters have announced that they will reach D Chowk in Islamabad and stage a sit-in there until the government announces to release Imran Khan and accepts their other demands including the return of the stolen mandate on February 8.

The protesters from KP are also bringing heavy machinery including fork lifters and cranes to remove blockages including shipping containers that have been put on different roads to block their entry into Islamabad.

Presidents of the federal capital as well as Rawalpindi remain confined to their houses as all roads have been blocked. The government has also announced to close educational institutions in Islamabad today.

With closure of roads and markets people in Islamabad are facing shortage of essential commodities such as kitchen items and fruits and vegetables.

However, the inspected general of the police Islamabad yesterday claimed that common citizens were facing no travel restrictions  alternative roads had been provided to them.

The residents however ridiculed his claim and said that routine life was badly affected in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad with all markets and offices closed and people unable to move from one place to another.