LAHORE/ISLAMABAD Life has begun to return to normal across Punjab and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad after police dispersed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) protest rally in Muridke.
According to the National Highway Authority (NHA), all motorways from Lahore — including those leading to Islamabad, Sialkot and Abdul Hakeem — have been reopened, and traffic is flowing smoothly.
The GT Road has also been cleared, while Muridke’s main highway has been reopened after burnt vehicles were removed.
District authorities in Muridke said that TLP protesters had set several “Clean Punjab Project” vehicles on fire, with assessments of the damage under way.
Lahore Safe City authorities said that only Samanabad to Yateem Khana Chowk remains closed, while traffic is normal across the rest of the provincial capital.
Public transport services including the Metro Bus, Orange Line Train, Speedo and electric buses have also resumed operations after being suspended since Friday. In Rawalpindi, the metro bus service has been partially restored.
However, heavy contingents of police and Rangers remain deployed across twin cities and along the march’s former route.
Over 30 hours after the march was dispersed in Muridke, the death toll has officially risen to five — including an SHO — while the TLP’s leadership has vanished. Police have registered FIRs against TLP chief Saad Rizvi and other central leaders over the killing of SHO Shehzad Nawaz in Sheikhupura’s Factory Area.
The road blockages had caused a sharp rise in fruit and vegetable prices across major Punjab cities, with tomatoes selling at up to Rs800 per kilogram in Lahore.
District administration officials said normal traffic flow will now help stabilise supply and prices.
Police have also launched a crackdown on the TLP’s social media network, arresting 39 people from various cities for spreading “provocative” content online.
Another 87 individuals’ WhatsApp and Facebook accounts have been traced, and a list of over 200 people allegedly posting false information is being compiled.
Meanwhile, 70 detained members of the TLP were produced before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, which granted 11-day physical remand.
Police also sealed seven seminaries in Vehari linked to the party after workers allegedly assaulted five police officials, including a DSP.
In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, traffic flow has largely returned to normal. However, Islamabad’s Jinnah Square remains closed, with entry to the Red Zone allowed only via Margalla Road. Containers continue to block sections of IJP Road and Faizabad flyover, though other city routes are open.
Earlier, Punjab Police claimed to have recovered valuables including local and foreign currency during a raid at the residence of Saad Rizvi.
According to police, local and foreign currency, gold jewellery, expensive watches, prize bonds, and other valuable items were seized during the operation.