ISLAMABAD: A tense calm prevailed over the federal capital on Friday, with limited traffic on the roads and police checkpoints abandoned in favour of tighter security at entrances to the Red Zone.

Because of the strict checks, arguments and the occasional brawl were witnessed at checkpoints at the Red Zone’s entrances, particularly at the ones near the Radio Pakistan and National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) head offices.

Grim faces could be seen in the area, with people on foot or in vehicles turned back by the police.

A group of people, some of them in lawyers’ attire, said they came to the area to get documents cleared by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) but were not allowed to proceed by the police.

Road traffic in Islamabad was also markedly thin during the first half of the day, but a large number of vehicles moved towards the Supreme Court.

PML-N to hold rally in Rawalpindi in solidarity with former PM today

Strict multilayered security checks were conducted at points of entry into the Red Zone to prevent unauthorised vehicles or people from reaching the SC. In addition to regular police personnel, Anti-Terrorism Squad officials also checked vehicles and passengers.

Because of the sensitive environment prior to the announcement of the SC judgement, ordinary citizens remained cautious and there was limited consumer movement at markets.

Shops with televisions and local restaurants, meanwhile, were full of customers and shopkeepers seeking details of the SC judgement, and many taxi drivers had their car radios playing loudly in some areas, including at metro bus stations, while other drivers listened closely.

Political discussions dominated government offices as well, and the proceedings of a Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs meeting were shorted at the request of the former state minister for religious affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat, who was a cabinet minister prior to Friday prayers.

“Friday prayers are important, but right now the mind is focused on the decision. So why not end the meeting now so that there is no distraction during the Friday prayers,” Mr Hasnat asked committee chairman Senator Hafiz Hamdullah.

Unlike parts of Punjab, PML-N workers showed restraint, and no protests of expressions of anger came from them. Local party workers remained calm while some PTI workers on motorcycles rallied around their officers.

PTI leader and MNA Asad Umar said workers and ordinary citizens rejoiced following the judgement, but they were restrained from hold rallies, blocking roads or setting off fireworks. “We will hold the show on Sunday, he said.

Rawalpindi remains calm

Although the garrison city remained calm, PML-N leaders plan to hold a public rally on Saturday to express support for Mr Sharif.

Local leaders claimed the party had directed its workers not to come out on the roads following the Supreme Court decision.

However, PML-N Metropolitan office bearers met with Rawalpindi Mayor Sardar Naseem and have decided to hold a rally on Saturday to express solidarity with the former prime minister. The rally will start at 4pm in Liaquat Bagh and culminate in Faizabad, via Murree Road, Mr Naseem told Dawn.

He said party workers wanted to protest in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and it was very difficult to control them.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Awami Muslims League’s Sheikh Rashid Ahmed celebrated the SC verdict. PTI district chapter president Zahid Kazmi held a rally on Peshawar Road, and there was also celebration at the PTI district office on Charing Cross square.

No clashes were reported between PTI and PML-N workers in any part of the city.

In Rawalpindi, people were glued to their televisions to hear the SC verdict, and after the decision, people began to wonder who the new prime minister would be.

Employees at government offices were also busy discussing the decision and its aftermath. Friday is a half working day in Punjab offices, but until Friday prayers people were busy discussing the SC decision.

The court’s decision drew a mixed reaction from people, with many saying it had been expected for some time. Some people also argued that Mr Sharif’s political career would not end, since he was disqualified during the Musharraf era but returned to politics.

“It is difficult to end the political career of the politician or political party by the decisions of the court. The PML-N will not end,” said Raja Bazaar resident Imtiaz Raja.

He said the government had changed and things would change.

“One, Rawalpindi was a fort of the PPP but the PML-N ended this, and it proved that it was a popular party in the local government elections so it will be difficult to say if the political career of the party leader will end.”

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2017