Islamabad : Life in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has come to a virtual standstill as major thoroughfares remain blocked with containers to prevent the advancement of protestors belonging to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The ongoing blockages / containers have disrupted routine activities, leaving residents uncertainmain about when normalcy will return. The authorities placed containers and barricades at key entry and exit points between the two cities in anticipation of the TLP’s protest march. The protestors are still in Lahore but they have placed containers to avert any advancement of the protestors. As a result, traffic flow has been severely affected, with people reverting to social media for diversion if they get network accessibility. The blockade has also caused significant inconvenience to commuters, particularly students and office workers. All the exhibitions, social activities are being postponed because of the uncertain conditions of the cities. On Friday, students appearing for CIEs were left stranded due to the closure of main roads, while partial suspension of mobile networks further compounded the situation. Several universities and offices have shifted to online operations in light of the tense law and order situation. Residents report that daily life has been severely disrupted, with people unable to leave their homes even for essential errands. Markets and public transport services have been largely non-functional, while heavy contingents of police and Rangers have been deployed across sensitive areas to maintain security. The uncertainty has left citizens frustrated and anxious for a return to normal life in the federal capital and Rawalpindi. They fear if the protestirs reach Faizabad, it will go on for a week making life very difficult for citizens and commuters.
