ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (TNS): Activists of ‘Tehreek e Labaik Ya Rasool Allah’ a group of religious parties, have blocked the main highway into Islamabad, virtually locking down the Pakistani capital and causing commuter fury as authorities hesitated to act.
Young men armed with clubs are searching anyone approaching the protest site and refusing to let vehicles pass, pelting those who come near with stones.
Demanding the resignation of the federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid over a hastily-abandoned amendment to the oath election candidates must swear regarding Khatm-e-Nabuwat. 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.
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 school going children of both the cities and thousands of Govt employees and workers are unable or face worst of difficulties to turn up to their destinations.
Despite several rounds of talks between the govt functionaries and the leaders/representatives of protesting men with the help of some religious personalities offering their positions to bridge the gap between the parties and help them to reach out at an amicable solution, but the standoff continues to hound every aspect of the life in twin cities. Authorities were shying away from employing force despite the palpable anger of commuters and days of traffic delays.
