Roadblocks, barriers hit life in City

LAHORE : Police sealed all entry and exit points to Lahore in anticipation of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, causing widespread disruptions for residents and commuters.

Major roads leading into and out of the provincial capital including motorways were blocked using containers and barriers, with heavy police deployment across the city. Key areas such as Babu Sabu, Shahdara, Bhatti Chowk, and the Azadi Flyover were completely closed, creating significant traffic congestion and frustration among citizens. Ambulances carrying bodies to Hafizabad and Sargodha were reportedly stranded due to roadblocks, with the police allegedly refusing to let them pass.

The motorway connecting Lahore to Islamabad was shut, and bus stations across the affected routes ceased operations. Lahore Ring Road, along with Ravi Bridge, Old Ravi Bridge, Saggian Ravi Bridge, Eastern Bypass, and Babu Sabu, remained inaccessible. However, traffic was flowing on Thokar Niaz Beg to Multan Road, Raiwind Road, Ferozepur Road, and Gujjarpura Road.

A Lahore Traffic Police spokesperson claimed that traffic within the city was unaffected, but road closures had pushed commuters towards rail transport. In response, railway authorities added extra trains from Lahore to Rawalpindi to accommodate the surge in passengers.

Clashes broke out between PTI workers and police on Lytton Road, resulting in the detention of several activists and female workers were also among those detained.

The PTI protest saw a lower than expected turnout, with workers attempting to rally on motorcycles and vehicles. Police resorted to baton charges near Jain Mandar, dispersing the gathering and arresting some participants. Protesters fled the scene to evade arrest, leaving the rally disbanded.

Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab for three days, prohibiting protests, rallies, and public gatherings. In Lahore, the Metro Bus Service and bus stations have been shut, further aggravating commuting challenges. Cellular phone networks and internet services were suspended in many districts, including Lahore, due to security concerns.

The situation remained tense, with authorities maintaining strict measures to prevent large-scale gatherings while residents grapple with the inconvenience caused by the lockdown.