Twin cities blocked, internet suspended, 144 in Punjab

Islamabad: The twin cities have been closed from various points, with four routes leading to the red zone completely shut down.

Serena Chowk, Express Chowk, NADRA Chowk, and Marriott Chowk have been closed by installing containers. All the gates leading to the red zone have also been closed.

Last night, Faizabad (Rawalpindi) was closed by installing containers on Murree Road. Faizabad Bus Stand, Zero Point, was also closed by installing containers. Containers were placed on the expressway, but the route was not closed; only one vehicle could pass.

Due to the installation of containers, the connecting roads between Rawalpindi and Islamabad were closed. Rawal Road and Naz Cinema were also sealed by installing containers. Metro bus service in Rawalpindi and Islamabad will also be suspended at the instructions of the district administration.

The road from Rawal Dam Chowk to Saddar Rawalpindi is closed, the road from Saddar Rawalpindi to Rawal Dam Chowk is closed, the road from Sohan Mor to IJP has been opened.

The road from IJP to Rawal Dam is closed. On the other hand, the administration of Islamabad and Rawalpindi has also shut down mobile and internet services since 12 midnight. The service will remain suspended for an indefinite period. A notification has also been issued in this regard.

This step has been taken due to security concerns in view of the march of a religious political party.

On the other hand, Section 144 has also been imposed immediately across Punjab.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, Section 144 has been imposed in the province of Punjab for 10 days.

According to the notification, Section 144 has been imposed when four or more people gather in public places, streets, neighborhoods, and open fields.

It will not apply to prayers, weddings, funerals, offices, or courts. A complete ban has also been imposed on the display of weapons across the province.

According to the provincial home department, a complete ban has been imposed on public gatherings and the use of loudspeakers. On the other hand, the IG Punjab has directed to increase security across the province, including Lahore.

IG Punjab Dr Usman said that the security of important places like mosques, imambargahs, and shrines should be ensured. He said that senior police officers, including DPOs, should visit mosques on the occasion of Jumma Mubarak.

IG Punjab added that police officers should listen to the problems of citizens in mosques after Friday prayers.