TLP protest cripples life in many cities of Punjab for second day

Hundreds of thousands of residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and several other major cities of Punjab are facing a tortuous situation for the second day running because of road blockades to stop the protesters of the Tehrik-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to reach the federal capital from Lahore.

- Tariq Butt

Uncertainty prevails about how long the depressing situation will continue as the TLP has started marching towards Islamabad, with a large number of supporters amid clashes with police, partially paralysing Lahore.

Flight delays were reported due to the closure of routes leading to Islamabad International Airport.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi administration has imposed a complete ban on the entry of heavy traffic, while the metro bus service remained suspended for the second consecutive day.

The twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, remain under lockdown that began on Friday, with roads sealed, communication lines cut, and public movement at a standstill.

According to the local administration, major connecting arteries between the two cities-including Faizabad Interchange, GT Road, Motorway, and Murree Road - have been sealed with shipping containers, causing massive traffic jams and difficulties for commuters trying to reach offices and educational institutions.