Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are facing severe disruption to daily life as road blockades and mobile data suspensions have been enforced following Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) announcement of a march toward the capital on Friday.
Authorities have placed containers at major entry and exit points of Islamabad, while mobile internet services (3G/4G) have been suspended “until further notice” under the directions of the Ministry of Interior, citing security concerns.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been instructed to implement these measures in coordination with local administration and law enforcement.
The restrictions have caused widespread inconvenience — commuters are struggling to reach workplaces, while limited connectivity has disrupted communication across the twin cities.
The Islamabad High Court Bar Association expressed concern that lawyers are unable to reach courts due to road closures, urging that no adverse orders be passed in their absence.
In Punjab, Section 144 has been imposed across the province, banning public gatherings, processions, and the display of weapons for 14 days — a measure authorities say is based on credible intelligence of potential threats to public safety.
The use of loudspeakers, apart from the call to prayer and sermons, has also been restricted.
Meanwhile, security in Lahore and other major cities has been heightened, with additional checkpoints and road closures adding to citizens’ challenges.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticized the TLP’s call for a “so-called Gaza March,” alleging that the group aims to create “unrest and chaos” under the guise of solidarity with Palestinians.
He stressed that the government supports peaceful demonstrations but cannot allow lawlessness or violence.
Authorities maintain that these security measures are temporary and taken purely to protect lives, maintain order, and prevent violence, urging citizens to remain calm and cooperate for the sake of collective safety.
In times like these, unity, patience, and empathy remain essential for safeguarding both public peace and humanitarian values.
