ISLAMABAD: The workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Tuesday blocked Murree Road at Shamsabad in Rawalpindi as part of the protest against attack on party chairman Imran Khan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. Citizens faced difficulties due to the closure of the road from both sides. The PTI workers encamped on the road. Schools in Rawalpindi tehsil remained closed on Tuesday due to the PTI sit-in.
Patients who were going to Benazir Bhutto Hospital faced a lot of difficulties, for they were forced to walk many kilometres due to the closure of the road. The PTI workers were raising slogans against the government. It is to be noted here that the PTI continued their protest for the consecutive second day on Tuesday against the attack on party chairman Imran Khan. The Islamabad police also issued a traffic alert.
In a letter to the interior secretary and the chief commissioner, the federal police Tuesday sought permission to clear the motorway leading to the airport. It was stated in the letter that the Islamabad Airport was one of the important facilities, and the routes leading to and from the airport are very important. “Any untoward incident can cause disrepute for the country,” it emphasized.
It was learnt that after the protest and blockage of roads by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, the administration decided to clear the airport road and the motorway in any case. “The arrival and departure of international delegations at the airport continues, and it will not allow to be affected at any cost,” it was decided.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Islamabad police said that M2 Motorway from Islamabad was closed for traffic, adding that Murree Road was closed on both sides from Shamsabad. “Besides, traffic is normal on all roads of Islamabad. Faizabad, Srinagar Highway, Motorway Link Road and Airport Link Road are open for traffic. Traffic is also flowing normally on Islamabad Expressway and GT Road,” he stated.
“The entrance to the Red Zone from the Express and Nadra chowks of Islamabad has been closed. Margalla Road, Ayub Chowk and Serena Chowk can be used to enter and exit the Red Zone,” he added. It is to be noted here that the protest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers continued on M2 Motorway for the second day on Tuesday. The protesters burnt tyres. They also set bushes and trees on both sides of the motorway on fire.
Citizens faced great problems due to the closure of the motorway. There were long queues of vehicles on both sides of the motorway. It also merits a mention here that Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiq Qayyum had Monday announced a sit-in on the motorway for three days.