ISLAMABAD: While the twin cities were marred by protests held by religious groups against the acquittal of Aasia Bibi in the blasphemy case, the assassination of Maulana Samiul Haq kept added to the tense situation as his supporters also took to the streets on Friday evening.

Soon after the news of Maulana Haq’s murder, a large number of people held protests in different parts of the capital, including Aabpara and Tramri.

Students from different seminaries also staged a protest in Saddar Rawalpindi. Markets were open when fear and panic gripped the main commercial area.

The protesters carrying sticks arrived on Bank Road and asked the shopkeepers to pull down the shutters. The protesters also started hitting motorcycles but their drivers managed to run away from the area.

Visitors to the markets were seen running towards their vehicles to leave the area. As a result, a traffic gridlock was seen on the main roads.

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board officials closed down the gates of Bank Road towards Ghakkar Plaza which created more hardship for the commuters.

Sheikh Ansar, an owner of computer shop, said he closed down the shops as soon as the protesters arrived.

Mohammad Abdullah, who runs a stall of French fries, said seminary students asked him to leave the spot. However, there were no policemen in the area. The situation in other parts of the city remained calm.

Routine life in the capital city remained disturbed on the third consecutive day as protesters blocked several roads, including Faizabad, Islamabad Expressway, Athal Chowk, Murree Road, Tramri, Tarnol and I.J. Principal Road.

The police removed the protesters several times from all the points except Faizabad and expressway but they returned and continued the protests. Several rounds of negations were also held with the protesters but without any major breakthrough.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2018