Dharshini RDA 
(C)Dawn,pti protest sparks road closures twin cities face major traffic disruptions
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) of Pakistan has announced that in order to save lives, motorways have been blocked in a number of locations nationwide in advance of Sunday’s planned protest in Islamabad by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) the party of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Following rallies by the PTI, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi saw a significant police and ranger presence.
In order to ensure public safety and uphold law and order, the government of Islamabad issued a traffic regulation strategy ahead of the November 24th PTI sit in.
The renowned Red Zone which contained the top executive, judicial and legislative power buildings was shut off just days before the march toward the capital.
Paramilitary forces have also been sent to block T-Chowk, Faizabad and 26 Number Chungi. Many routes including Sector I-8, IJP Double Road, Margalla Road and the Golra Morh overpass and underpass will be closed to all commuters. Additionally, a number of locations on the Srinagar Highway leading to Islamabad have been sealed.
The NHMP stated on the notice, “To prevent any untoward situation and to protect the lives of the people, motorways have been closed from various locations. The lives and property of the people will be guaranteed at all costs. Those who take the law into their hands will be dealt with strictly.”
According to local media in anticipation of the PTI march, Punjab has banned public gatherings from November 23 to 25 and will suspend the Metro Bus service between the twin towns of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on November 24.
The main goal of the PTI’s protest is to put pressure on the government to lift Khan’s more than one year long jail on what his party claims are politically motivated allegations.
In addition, the party wants to speak out against the purported manipulation of the general elections on February 8 and demand steps to protect judicial independence which it claims has been compromised by the 26th constitutional amendment. This is denied by the government.
