Pakistan: Islamabad under lockdown for second day amid fears of TLP protest

Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained under partial lockdown for a second consecutive day on Saturday as authorities tightened security in anticipation of a demonstration by the hardline Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) group, reports 24brussels.

The government deployed over 1,200 paramilitary personnel throughout Punjab to prevent the protest march, which started from Lahore along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, from reaching the capital. This heightened security follows a night of violence on Friday when clashes erupted between TLP protestors and police in Lahore.

The rally, termed the “Gaza March,” commenced after Friday prayers from the party’s headquarters on Multan Road, led by TLP chief Saad Rizvi. Thousands of supporters participated, many chanting religious slogans and wielding sticks and bricks. In response, the Islamabad Police noted multiple cases filed against TLP supporters for defying restrictions on public gatherings, leading to the arrest of around 90 individuals at Tarnol and another 54 at Kati Pahari.

In Tarnol, approximately 300 individuals gathered with TLP flags, prompting police to intervene after the group refused to disperse. In a separate incident, about 120 TLP supporters arrived at Kati Pahari, armed with batons and slingshots, prompting a police crackdown which resulted in additional arrests. To manage the situation, officials dispatched around 110 Frontier Corps personnel to Lahore and stationed another contingent in Gujrat to block the TLP march.

Meanwhile, Islamabad remained largely isolated, with major entry and exit points sealed using approximately 500 shipping containers. This lockdown has disrupted daily life and essential supply lines, affecting the availability of items such as milk, vegetables, and poultry. Traders reported stock shortages, particularly among dairy and poultry shops, alongside rising vegetable prices due to supply blockages. Many expressed hopes that key routes would be reopened by Sunday to alleviate shortages.

On Saturday night, some blockades were lifted to reduce public inconvenience. Roads leading to the airport, Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Murree Road (Bara Kahu exit), and Expressway (Koral side) were reopened. Despite the heightened alert, no significant TLP demonstrations were reported in Rawalpindi or Islamabad, and the situation remained relatively calm. Nonetheless, residents continued to grapple with restricted movement and ongoing supply shortages.