Authorities have implemented extensive security measures and shut roads across Pakistan in response to calls for protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), leading to significant disruptions in several cities.
In Lahore, all entry and exit routes to the city have been blocked using containers. Police checkpoints have been established across the city, with various units, including the anti-riot force, deployed on the inner and outer routes to maintain law and order.
Police said Niazi Shaheed Chowk, Shahdara Chowk, Begum Kot, Saggian at its entry and exit points, Imamia Colony railway crossing, and the old Ravi bridge have been sealed off from both sides with containers. Lahore Ring Road and its Eastern Bypass are entirely closed, while all motorways leading out of Lahore have been blocked.
The administration has also suspended electricity in Niazi Chowk and surrounding areas as a precautionary measure.
In Ferozewala also, strict security arrangements have been taken with all entry and exit points sealed. Motorway M2 has been sealed off from Faizpur Interchange, Kot Abdul Malik Interchange, and Kala Shah Kaku Interchange.
Wazirabad, Daska, Gujrat impacted
In Wazirabad, trenches have been dug at both sides of Chenab Bridge, after which no vehicles or pedestrians will be able to cross it. Containers have also been placed to seal Mandike Chowk, Dharamkot Chowk, Daska-Gujranwala Road and Wazirabad Road, causing significant restrictions on mobility.
Gujrat's entry and exit routes have also been closed, as have all the bus stops.
Protests and closures in Taxila, surrounding areas
The entry and exit points of Taxila city have also been blocked, as well as Brahma Motorway Interchange. The Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway routes have been closed with heavy vehicles, while the HMC Road coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is closed from Bhallar Tope.
The local road coming from KP has been closed from Gaango. The city's internal GT Road Kala Pul is also closed. GT Road connecting Taxila to Islamabad is closed from Ratta Shah.
Sindh-Punjab border, Punjab-KP connection closed
Strict security arrangements have been made in Sadiqabad also with the Sindh-Punjab border closed at Kot Sabzal.
In Mianwali, the entrances and exits of Chashma Barrage and Kalabagh Bridge have been closed by putting up containers. All land routes of Punjab and KP have been closed, while the GT Road patch between Khushab and Sargodha has been closed at Jhelum Bridge.
Moreover, police have installed containers and closed Khanqah Dogran Interchange, while heavy police force has been deployed on the roads leading to Islamabad and Lahore. The police deployment also includes women police personnel at Khanqah Dogran Interchange checkpoint.
Protests in Multan, Faisalabad
At Faisalabad, all interchanges have been closed by placing containers. Section 144 has been imposed in Multan city and its entry and exit routes closed.
Heavy police presence at Faizabad
A heavy police contingent as well as the anti-terrorism force have reached Faizabad. The police personnel have removed people present on Faizabad Bridge. Additional police force has also been sought at Hakla Interchange, as PTI convoys make their way to the federal capital.
Meanwhile, the twin cities administration has taken an important decision to install containers under the Faizabad Bridge. Traffic movement continued throughout the day on the Faizabad Interchange today, while a heavy contingent of police remained present on the bridge to deal with the PTI protesters.
The convoys of protesters coming from GT Road are supposed to reach Islamabad's D-Chowk from the Faizabad Bridge.
D-Chowk in Islamabad braces for turmoil
D-Chowk, the PTI's protest destination in Islamabad, is under strict surveillance. PTI convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are making their way to the federal capital, resulting in heightened security.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Islamabad police chief visited D-Chowk to monitor the situation and boost the morale of deployed personnel. Arrests of PTI workers are being reported as the situation remains tense.
