GUJRAT: In a bid to block the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers from moving towards Islamabad, the local authorities and law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) have dug up a trench on both sides of GT Road near the Chenab bridge toll plaza.

The point near Chenab toll plaza on Wazirabad side may become another battleground between the TLP and the LEAs, said an official privy to the arrangements for tackling the convoy.

The 12-foot deep trench was dug up by excavator machines on GT Road and the mud excavated from the ground had also been put on the road. Besides, containers have been placed at that point.

Rangers reached Gujrat whereas heavy contingents of police belonging to six districts of Gujranwala region have been deployed around both bridges of the Chenab on Gujrat and Wazirabad sides. Senior administrative and police officers remained present at the bridge throughout the day to monitor the preparations.

The business activities in the industrial towns of Gujrat, Wazirabad, Sialkot and Gujranwala were hit owing to the tense situation on the highway as containers and trucks carrying consignments could not be moved for the second consecutive day on Saturday. The local industrialists apprehend that the situation may persist on Sunday for the transportation of their goods through GT Road.

Traffic remained thin along GT Road and other branch roads connecting the rural areas. Internet service remained suspended in most parts of the urban areas of Gujrat.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2021