ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (TNS): Activists of ‘Tehreek e Labaik Ya Rasool Allah’ sit in at Faizabad Interchange, continue to paralyse the life twin cities by virtually sieging an important entry gateway into the capital.
Demanding for the removal of the country’s law minister over a recently omitted reference to the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) in a constitutional bill, the sit in starting from 8th, of this month has caused blocking of both Murree Road and Islamabad Expressway, the two major arteries that connect the two cities, as well linking the urban and rural areas of the capital.
The continued sit-in, prompting authorities to set up shipping containers on the throughway to prevent the protesters from entering the city has made life miserable for those who commute between the twin cities, as most of the roads remain blocked.
Worst kind of traffic congestion can be seen on the roads connecting to important Faizabad Interchange. Golra Mor, Pirwadhai Mor, the Mall, Murree Road, Raja Bazaar and Rawal Road, chaotic traffic brought routine life to a halt, resulting in long queues of vehicles on slip roads.
Almost half of the children of both the cities and thousands of Govt employees and workers are unable or face worst of difficulties to turn up to schools, offices and work places.
The suspension of the metro bus service also added fuel to the fire, inconveniencing millions of commuters heading to work or school in the capital.
The supply of goods in Raja Bazaar’s main markets was also halted as trucks had to wait until late at night to enter the city. Visitors to the markets also decreased. In downtown Rawalpindi, taxis and rickshaws refuse passengers to avoid being stranded in the mess of traffic.
The rally drew criticism from residents and rights activists when an infant died Thursday on the way to a hospital due to the road blockades in Islamabad. Police say they have charged the rally’s organizer, Rizvi, with manslaughter following complaints from the child’s parents who claim his life could have been saved had they reached the hospital in time.
