Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been in a state of disruption for two consecutive days as protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continue to paralyze both cities.
These protests, which have gained momentum, have severely impacted daily life, with roadblocks, suspension of services, and escalating clashes between protesters and law enforcement creating widespread chaos.
Key roads in both cities, particularly major highways, have been blocked, causing significant delays and disruptions to public and private transportation. As a result, citizens have been left stranded or unable to travel. Mobile and internet services have also been suspended in various areas of Islamabad, adding to the difficulties faced by residents. This digital blackout has made communication nearly impossible, leaving people without access to information or the ability to reach their loved ones.
The public transport system has been brought to a grinding halt. Metro bus services, a critical means of transportation in Islamabad, have been suspended, worsening the mobility crisis for commuters. Containers have been strategically placed at key entry and exit points of both cities, including Faizabad, D-Chowk, and 26 No Chungi, in an effort to prevent the influx of PTI supporters and restrict the movement of protestors. These measures have led to massive traffic jams, making it extremely difficult for vehicles to move freely across the twin cities.
Tensions reached new heights on Saturday evening when police and PTI supporters clashed violently in various parts of Islamabad. Jinnah Avenue and Blue Area, key commercial districts in the capital, turned into battlegrounds as PTI protesters engaged in stone-pelting against security forces. In response, the police resorted to tear gas shelling and fired rubber bullets at demonstrators in a bid to disperse them. This intense confrontation reached its peak near China Chowk, where both sides were locked in prolonged skirmishes.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s arrival in Islamabad from Peshawar further fueled the tension. His presence in the capital has been seen as a rallying point for PTI supporters. On Jinnah Avenue, police and protesters continued to engage in a fierce standoff late into the evening, with protesters setting fire to various areas along the avenue, exacerbating the already volatile situation.
Despite these violent confrontations, police and army troops have made significant efforts to restore order. Patrols were increased in the early hours of Saturday morning, particularly in D-Chowk, where a complete silence prevailed for a brief period. The military presence in the capital has been ramped up as troops patrol sensitive areas in an attempt to prevent the protests from spiraling further out of control.
The clashes, however, resumed as protesters regrouped and renewed their attempts to break through police barricades. The Red Zone, which houses key government offices and diplomatic missions, has been a focal point of the protests. PTI workers have targeted D-Chowk in particular, throwing stones at the police in repeated efforts to breach the heavy security cordon. In response, law enforcement agencies have unleashed several rounds of tear gas in an attempt to push back the crowds. Despite these measures, the protests have continued to rage throughout the day, with no signs of abating.
The chaos in the twin cities has been further compounded by the strategic blocking of key roads. Entrances to Islamabad, including the Express Highway and other main arteries, have been sealed with containers. These blockades, along with the decision to switch off street lights in several areas such as Blue Area and D-Chowk, have plunged the city into darkness, making the situation even more dangerous for both residents and protesters.
Faizabad, one of the primary junctions connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has become a central flashpoint in the ongoing protests. Violent clashes have erupted in the area, with police and protesters locked in a tense standoff. Tear gas shelling has been intermittent, as the police attempt to regain control of the situation. All roads leading to Faizabad have been closed off with containers, cutting off access to this key transit point between the twin cities.
The protests initially erupted late Friday night, and since then, Islamabad police have made a number of arrests. Approximately 20 to 25 PTI workers were detained in the 26 No Chungi area. These arrests have done little to deter the protesters, who remain defiant in their demands. A large contingent of police, along with Anti-Riot Force and Frontier Corps personnel, has been deployed across both cities to maintain law and order, especially in sensitive areas such as Faizabad and D-Chowk. Despite these measures, the protests show no sign of dying down, and the situation remains highly unpredictable.
In response to the escalating unrest, the federal government has invoked Article 245 of the Constitution, which allows for the deployment of the Pakistan Army to assist in maintaining law and order. On Friday night, Pakistan Army troops officially took control of security operations in Islamabad. According to sources from the Interior Ministry, the army’s deployment was ordered to ensure the protection of citizens and property amid the rising tensions. The military will now work alongside police and other law enforcement agencies to restore peace in the capital.
The deployment of army personnel has been concentrated in key areas, particularly D-Chowk, where the PTI had initially announced plans to stage a massive demonstration on Saturday. Military units have taken up positions throughout the area, bolstering the police presence as they attempt to prevent further escalation of violence. The army’s mandate is to secure vital installations and maintain order, ensuring that the protests do not spill over into critical areas such as the Red Zone.
The deployment of the military underscores the gravity of the situation, as the government seeks to regain control in the face of increasingly aggressive protests. Despite these efforts, however, the situation remains tense, with protesters continuing to gather in large numbers and confront law enforcement officers.
In the midst of this turmoil, citizens of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been left to grapple with the fallout. The closure of roads, suspension of mobile services, and cancellation of public transport have made daily life exceedingly difficult. Many residents have been unable to get to work or access essential services, while businesses in the affected areas have been forced to close.
Furthermore, the heightened security measures in place, particularly the heavy police and army presence, have added to the sense of unease among the general public. The federal government has made it clear that it will not allow the protests to disrupt key national events, including the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued stern warnings to PTI leadership, particularly Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who has been accused of exacerbating the unrest.
The protests, which initially stemmed from political grievances, have now spiraled into a broader crisis, with clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement escalating by the hour. The police have reported multiple injuries, with dozens of officers injured during confrontations. Protesters, for their part, have accused the authorities of using excessive force in their efforts to break up the demonstrations.
As of now, there is no clear resolution in sight, with both sides remaining entrenched in their positions. The PTI leadership has vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met, while the government remains determined to restore order and prevent further chaos. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation will escalate further or whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved.
For now, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain in a state of paralysis, with normal life completely upended by the ongoing protests. Residents can only hope that a resolution will be reached soon, bringing an end to the turmoil that has gripped the region.
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