RAWALPINDI and ISLAMABAD remained under a tight lockdown for the second consecutive day on Saturday as authorities braced for the anticipated Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) protest march toward the capital.
Over 1,200 Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were deployed from the federal capital to Punjab with contingents sent to Lahore and Gujrat to assist local police in stopping the rally’s advance along the GT Road. Despite heavy security, no major protest took place in Rawalpindi, and the overall situation stayed calm, though daily life came to a standstill.
The Islamabad Police filed multiple cases against TLP activists for holding unauthorized rallies. Around 90 protesters were detained in Tarnol and 54 in Kati Pahari, with cases registered under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Amplifier Act. Police reported using force after protesters carrying TLP flags and banners blocked GT Road and refused to disperse.
By Saturday night, authorities began easing a few road blockades to provide relief to citizens. Entry and exit routes toward the airport, Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Murree Road, and the Expressway were partially reopened. Additional routes into the Red Zone were announced for Monday.
However, the lockdown crippled daily life across both cities. Major entry and exit points, along with internal routes, were sealed using nearly 500 containers. Public transport, including metro and CDA electric buses, remained suspended, while only limited ride-hailing services operated. Intercity bus services were halted, forcing many passengers to crowd Rawalpindi Railway Station as trains became the only mode of travel.
Severe supply disruptions hit the markets, causing shortages of milk, wheat flour, vegetables, and poultry. Many shops ran out of essential goods, while prices surged sharply. Traders warned that prolonged closures of GT Road and motorways could deepen the food crisis.
Rawalpindi Merchant Association President Saleem Pervaiz said supplies from central and southern Punjab had stopped completely. “We informed the administration earlier, but no action was taken. If roads reopen, supply could normalize within a day,” he added.
Residents faced mounting hardships. “I couldn’t complete my weekly shopping due to blocked routes,” said Muhammad Anwar, a resident of Tipu Road. Others, like Muhammad Saleem, who was trying to travel to Lahore, said they were forced to walk long distances because city roads and bus services
