LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Lahore to Islamabad Motorway has been reopened for all types of traffic, according to Motorway Police sources. Roads and motorways had been blocked on Friday (October 10), in response to a protest announcement by the religious group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
TLP had announced a rally from Lahore to Islamabad, and while the protest plan is still in progress, the authorities have now started to reduce the closures. Citizens can now travel from Babu Sabu and Thokar Niaz Baig to Islamabad, with Motorways M2 and M3 from Lahore fully operational.
Also read: TLP protest in Pindi, Islamabad: traffic diversions and road closures update
However, despite the reopening of the motorway, traffic disruptions continue in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Containers have been placed at multiple entry points and main roads in both cities, severely affecting the flow of traffic and causing inconvenience to commuters.
Authorities have also suspended the Metro Bus Service in the twin cities for three days, while all hotels in the Faizabad area have been sealed as part of security measures. The closures have brought business and commercial activity in the vicinity to a halt.
Mobile phone and internet services, which were earlier suspended amid security concerns, have been partially restored in Islamabad.
Witnesses report that some travelers have found ways to bypass the containers, allowing bikes and pedestrians to pass through. Authorities have taken steps to ease the situation slightly, and travelers making the journey from Rawalpindi to Islamabad have noted improvements. However, the official closure of key routes remains in effect, with heavy deployment of police as well.
ISLAMABAD POLICE ON HIGH ALERT
Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muhammad Jawad Tariq paid a surprise visit to Faizabad to review the overall law and order situation. During his visit, he met officers and personnel on duty and instructed them to remain on high alert. “Every officer should stay vigilant. Any compromise on the protection of citizens will not be tolerated,” DIG Tariq said.
“Law and order in the city will be maintained at all costs. The law will take immediate action against any form of mischief or lawbreaking,” he added.
Also read: Islamabad braces for TLP protest; Pindi admin imposes Section 144
DIG Tariq also appealed to citizens to avoid participating in unlawful activities and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
Despite the partial restoration of services, residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad continue to face restrictions, with the metro bus service and several main routes still closed as security forces remain on high alert.