ISLAMABAD: A curfew-like situation was seen in the capital on Sunday as the law enforcement agencies remained deployed on all roads and key points even though there was no major presence of the PTI protesters.

Caravans of PTI workers and leaders from different parts of the country were yet to reach Islamabad; however, the city’s entrances, different points on main highways and roads linking residential sectors were sealed with containers.

In the battle of nerves and show of power by the police and the PTI, the residents were the major sufferers and so were the business community. Due to the blockades of roads and uncertain law and order situation, a majority of the residents preferred to stay at home.

Supplies of edibles like dairy, poultry and green grocery items along with meat either remained suspended or were not sufficient due to the blockades of roads.

Supplies of edibles, including dairy, poultry and green grocery items, either suspended or insufficient due to blockades of roads

The dairy shops in the capital ran out of milk as they got the last supply on Friday. However, yogurt was available in some shops, but its stock was also running out.

Supply to the capital’s Vegetable and Fruit Market, commonly known as Sabzi Mandi, also remained suspended since Saturday. The shopkeepers at different commercial centres and other areas received meagre supplies from Sabzi Mandi.

Poultry and meat shops got the supply, but it was less than their daily demands.

“Today we received supplies, but there is no assurance to get the same on Monday,” a poultry dealer said.

The weekly bazaars also gave a deserted look as neither vendors nor customers could reach there.

Mobile phone services were not suspended in the capital, but there were disturbances to internet and social mediaplatforms. Calls, uploading and downloading of documents, videos and photos through mobile data remained disrupted on social media; however, the facility of messaging remained active.

Earlier on Friday, the capital administration and police shut down inter-provincial bus terminals, guest houses and hostels of public and private higher educational institutes were closed.

Moreover, bus terminals in Islamabad, including at Karachi Company, Faizabad and Chungi No 26, were also shut down under the directives of the secretary Islamabad Transport Authority.

Besides, under the directives of the assistant inspector general of police (operations), the entry of public service vehicles on motorways were closed from Friday.

In a similar move, the police under the directive of the capital administration closed guesthouses and hotels in the capital.

Rawalpindi

Residents of the garrison city suffered another day of hardship as main roads were closed with shipping containers and their movement restricted to their streets and localities.

The metro bus service was suspended and police were deployed on all roads ahead of the PTI protest.

Due to the high security level, the residents remained confined to their houses. Business activities were also affected, especially in Raja Bazaar, Murree Road and adjoining markets.

For the last few months, the residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been facing blockades of roads and markets due to political and religious gatherings. Last month, the roads were closed for a protest by the PTI and sit-ins staged by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan and Jamaat-i-Islami.

On Sunday, Soan Bridge, Khana Bridge, Faizabad, Pirwadhai Mor, Golra Mor, Kernal Sher Khan Road, Murree Road, old Airport Road, Jhelum Road and others were blocked.

In Raja Bazaar, Saddar and other commercial areas, traders opened their business centres as per routine in the morning, but due blockades of roads there were no customers and they had to pull down the shutters in the afternoon, said Traders Association President Sharjeel Mir while talking to Dawn.

He said that business activities remained suspended several times in the last many months due to protest calls and the counter-strategy of the government. He said that traders were already facing financial crises and these protests increased their problems.

On the other hand, the residents of areas along Murree Road criticised both the political party and the government.

“We have been facing road closures for the last few months and the movement of the local residents remains restricted to their streets. It is difficult to take patients to hospitals and go for weekly grocery shopping,” said Mohammad Aslam, a resident of Committee Chowk.

Ayaz Siddiqui, of Mitarpura near Benazir Bhutto Hospital, said he had to go to Sabzi Mandi to get vegetables on Sunday, but all the roads were blocked.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2024