Islamabad: Two major cities of Pakistan – Islamabad and Rawalpindi – remained under partial lockdown for the second consecutive day on Saturday in anticipation of a Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) protest. The government has tightened security to stop any kind of protest, Dawn reported. More than 1,200 paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Pakistan’s Punjab to stop the protest march. The protest march, as per the report, started from Lahore via the GT Road to reach the capital.

Why Pakistani Government Wants To Stop The Protest?

The government has tightened security after protesters turned violent which led to clashes with police in Lahore on Friday night.

The Down reported that the protest march – Gaza March – started from TLP’s headquarters in Lahore following the Friday prayers. The march was led by TLP chief Saad Rizvi, attracted thousands of supporters.

Why Did Islamabad Police Register Cases Against TLP Supporters?

The report stated that the Islamabad Police lodged several cases against TLP supporters for holding rallies at different locations. Police said that protesters violated the restrictions, arresting nearly 90 demonstrators from Tarnol. Another 54 were arrested from Kati Pahari.

The Tarnol case was filed after about 300 people carrying TLP flags and banners gathered near the Tarnol Railway Crossing, chanting slogans and calling on others to join the protest. When the group refused to disperse, police used force and seized sound systems.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained under lockdown for the second day amid TLP’s Gaza March.
• Over 1,200 paramilitary personnel deployed to stop protesters heading to Islamabad.
• Clashes erupted in Lahore, police arrested over 140 TLP supporters.
• Major routes in Islamabad sealed with containers.

In a separate incident, around 120 TLP supporters reportedly arrived at Kati Pahari from Taxila, armed with batons, salt and slingshots. Police launched a crackdown as the group prepared to march towards Faizabad, leading to more arrests.

Government Deployed Frontier Corps Personnel

Officials said around 110 Frontier Corps personnel were sent to Lahore and another contingent was deployed in Gujrat to assist local police in blocking the TLP march.

Meanwhile, Islamabad remained largely cut off from the rest of the country. Major entry and exit points, as well as internal routes, were sealed using around 500 shipping containers. The lockdown disrupted daily life and essential supplies, including milk, vegetables, poultry, and groceries.

Police said that it has lifted few blockades on Saturday night to ease public inconvenience.

However, Rawalpindi and Islamabad reported no major TLP protest on Saturday, and situation remained normal in both the cities.

(With inputs from agency)