RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Several key roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been partially reopened on Sunday as the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) protest march continues its advance from Lahore towards Islamabad.
While major routes remain blocked by shipping containers, authorities have begun easing restrictions in select areas of the twin cities to facilitate commuters.
Mobile internet services were also partially restored in some parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, say authorities.
Rawalpindi Traffic Police has issued a new plan regarding road routes. According to the Rawalpindi Traffic Police, out of 43 blocked locations in the city, six have been fully reopened while 35 have been partially cleared. Faizabad remains completely closed for the third consecutive day.
A spokesperson for the Rawalpindi Traffic Police said that roads across the city have been partially reopened for traffic, while Faizabad remains suspended. Traffic is flowing smoothly at all points along Murree Road, and normal traffic conditions have also been reported on Mall Road and Peshawar Road.
The spokesperson added that Khanna Pul and Kurri Road are open for traffic between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and movement is smooth along Jhelum Road, Kacheri Chowk, and Sawan Bridge.
Traffic is also flowing normally on both sides of Old Airport Road, while movement continues on Adiala Road, Kalma Chowk, and Chakri Road. The Chakri Interchange, Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, and Thalian Interchange are also open for commuters. The spokesperson confirmed that traffic flow continues at Chungi No. 26 and T-Chowk Rawat, and that movement is smooth in all tehsils of Rawalpindi.
According to the Islamabad Traffic Police, entry points to the Red Zone remain closed, with only Margalla Road open for access. Suharwardy Road, from Serena to Aabpara, is also closed, as is the route from Jinnah Square Flyover to Serena Hotel.
The Expressway is open for traffic from Zero Point to Khanna, while Margalla Road remains accessible from Golra to Trail Three, and from the E-11 Flyover to F-6 Hill Road.
Traffic is also flowing on Jinnah Avenue and Seventh Avenue, while routes from Korang to Bani Gala and from Jinnah Road to Park Road are open for use.
Officials said that Iran Avenue to Margalla Road, Sangjani GT Road, and the Srinagar Highway, from Chungi No. 26 to Chand Tara Flyover, are all open to traffic.
Islamabad DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq visited Faizabad to review the law and order situation, assuring that security and order in the capital will be maintained “at all costs.”
Traffic police have announced diversions across multiple points near Faizabad. Heavy traffic entry into Islamabad remains suspended, with alternate routes advised: motorists travelling to Rawalpindi from Rawal Dam Chowk are advised to use Park Road, while those heading to the airport should use Kashmir Chowk and Srinagar Highway.
Residents of I-8 have been instructed to use Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Club Road, and Park Road, while those coming from Koral should opt for Khanna Pul, Lehtrar Road, Tramri Chowk, and Rawal Dam Chowk.
In Lahore, violent clashes between TLP protesters and police left 112 personnel injured and led to the arrest of more than 100 protesters, according to DIG Operations Faisal Kamran. The protesters also vandalised the Shahdara Town police station and damaged public and private property, The News reported.
Meanwhile, Jamat-e-Islami (JI) leader Liaqat Baloch telephoned Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday.
According to the JI spokesperson, both leaders discussed matters related to the ongoing TLP march and its impact on the province.
During the telephonic conversation, Liaqat Baloch urged the provincial government to initiate talks with the protesters to resolve the situation peacefully.
The TLP spokesperson said that negotiations between its central committee and the federal government are ongoing. He further advised all workers to await the decision of the central leadership.
Sources said that Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Salman Rafiq, and Tahir Ashrafi are leading negotiations on behalf of the government.
They said both sides have made headway on some issues, while talks remain ongoing on others.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry earlier said the government was pursuing a peaceful resolution but would not be “blackmailed by mobs,” accusing TLP of exploiting sensitive issues for political gains.