Metro bus service suspended, roads blocked as govt braces for protests 

Islamabad: Authorities have suspended the Metro Bus service and blocked specific roads with containers in twin city as the government braces for protests organised separately by outlawed party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and opposition parties on Friday. 

The spokesperson for the Islamabad Traffic Police said in a statement that traffic was diverted from Rawalpindi's System Road and Ninth Avenue and advised residents who wanted to go to Pindi via the Faizabad Interchange — which has been blocked during TLP protests in the past as well.

As per reports, TLP started marching on Islamabad to force the government to release the founder’s heir, Saad Rizvi, who was arrested earlier in the year for inciting violence.

The supporters of banned outfit have been staging a sit-in on Multan Road, Lahore for the last two days.

Earlier, the party announced that the march will start after Friday prayers. 

In Lahore, containers have been placed at various points, including Samanabad turn at Multan Road and at the Grid Station Stop. 

To thwart protesters' attempts at assembling, containers have also been placed at the Dubai Chowk in Iqbal Town.

Moreover, Punjab government has directed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to subsequently suspend internet services around Multan Road, Grand Battery Stop, Iqbal Town, Nawankot, Samanabad and Sabzazar.