Life Returns to Normal in Islamabad Following PTI Protest Clearance

After a grand operation to clear Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters in Islamabad, life in the federal capital is steadily returning to normal. Major roads have been reopened, motorways are operational, and internet services that were suspended for three days have been restored. Businesses and educational institutions are also set to resume operations.

Key Developments:

1. Removal of Roadblocks and Containers:
   Islamabad’s district administration, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, has initiated the removal of containers and barricades placed on key roads, including Murree Road, Faizabad, and other major routes. Efforts are being made to reopen all roads for traffic before dawn.
2. Resumption of Internet Services:
   Internet services, suspended for three days due to protests, are now fully restored, allowing businesses and individuals to resume digital connectivity.
3. Motorway Accessibility Restored:
   All major motorways, including M-2 (Lahore-Islamabad), M-11 (Lahore-Sialkot), M-4 (Pindi Bhattian-Abdul Hakeem), and M-14 (Hakla-Dera Ismail Khan), are now open for traffic, according to motorway police.
   • Lahore’s Eastern Bypass and Ring Road have also reopened, ensuring smooth traffic flow across major routes.
4. Cleaning Operations:
   Cleaning crews have been deployed across the city to remove debris left behind by the protests. Discarded items such as shoes, clothing, and other materials are being cleared from the streets to restore the city’s appearance.
5. Resumption of Activities:
   • Businesses: Commercial activity in affected areas, including Faizabad and Murree Road, has resumed after three days of disruption.
   • Educational Institutions: All schools and colleges in Islamabad will reopen on Thursday, as announced by the district administration.
6. Traffic Normalization:
   Traffic flow has been restored across the city, with previously blocked routes now accessible. Commuters have reported smoother travel conditions within Islamabad and connecting routes to Rawalpindi.

Administrative Efforts:

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon emphasized that all available resources are being used to ensure roads are fully operational and cleaned before morning. Assistant commissioners have been directed to oversee the operations in their respective areas.

Background:

The protests, organized by PTI, led to major disruptions in the capital, including the blockage of roads and suspension of essential services. The grand operation by law enforcement agencies successfully cleared protest sites, enabling the gradual restoration of normalcy in Islamabad.

These developments highlight the administration’s commitment to swiftly addressing the challenges posed by the protests and minimizing inconvenience for the public.