ISLAMABAD: Islamabad, the federal capital, was gripped by widespread protests today as various groups took to the streets, voicing their grievances against the government and authorities. While the residents had once again had to bear the blockages of roads and traffic jams.
The protests, involving Utility Store employees, PWD (Public Works Department) workers, traders, and students, brought parts of the city to a standstill, highlighting the growing discontent among different sectors of society.
UTILITY STORE EMPLOYEES PROTEST
Utility Stores employees had launched a sit-in outside the head office, protesting against the government’s plans to close the organisation under its rightsizing initiative.
Today they have started moving toward D-Chowk to record their protest.
Chanting slogans against the government, the workers expressed their frustration and concerns over the potential loss of their jobs.
The police have sealed of D-Chowk, Nadra Chowk and Serena Hotel road.
PWD EMPLOYEES PROTEST
Simultaneously, another large group of protesters from the Public Works Department (PWD) has blocked the Srinagar Highway towards Islamabad causing severe traffic disruptions.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the employees are protesting against the winding up of the PWD department.
We will continue our protest against this injustice and the move to lay off around 10,000 employees of the Pak-PWD – one of the oldest departments in the country, the protestors said.
TRADERS PROTEST
Adding to the unrest, traders from various markets in Islamabad are observing a shutter down strike against the imposition of new taxes under the recent budget.
The traders argued that the new tax policies are crippling small businesses, which are already struggling due to inflation and economic instability.
STUDENTS PROTEST
In another part of the city, students from various educational institutions of Islamabad have gathered outside the Federal Board office to protest against what they termed as “unfair” exam results.
The students alleged discrepancies in the grading system and demanded a re-evaluation of their papers.
The series of protests led to significant disruptions across Islamabad, with major roads blocked and public transport services affected. The police have been deployed at key points to manage the crowds.
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