JI protests paralyze public transport in twin cities

Rawalpindi: The district administration has decided to stop Metrobus service (MBS) in Rawalpindi and Islamabad due to protests organized by Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI and the people. The protests are against rising inflation, increasing electricity/gas bills and unfair taxes and levies. As a result, the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are facing immense difficulties due to the stoppage of Metrobus service, road blockades and heavy police presence during the protests.

To maintain order, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has imposed Section 144. Both the administrations have blocked all the entrances and exits with containers and barricades. Despite heavy police presence and requests to disperse the streets, a large number of protesters gathered at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, resulting in road blockades.

On the other hand, the Anti-Riot Force (ARF) has occupied the Faizabad Bridge with tear gas and rubber bullets to prevent protesters from advancing towards D-Chowk in Islamabad. The Metro Bus Authority (MBA) officials said that the suspension of operations is for the safety of the buses and passengers. They stressed that Metro buses are not allowed to enter Islamabad until further notice.

Due to the protests, major markets and several petrol stations in Rawalpindi, especially along Murree Road, were closed. This created a difficult situation for people, especially working women and families, who had to rely on expensive taxis to reach their homes as all private transport services were suspended.