JI protests suspend public transport in twin cities

Rawalpindi:The district administration has decided to stop the Metro Bus Service (MBS) in Rawalpindi and Islamabad due to protests organised by Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI, and the general public. The protests are against the rising inflation, increasing electricity/gas bills, and unjust taxes and duties. As a result, the locals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have faced immense difficulties due to the suspension of the Metro Bus service, road blockages, and heavy police presence during the protest.

To maintain order, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rawalpindi, Hasan Waqar Cheema, has imposed Section 144. Both administrations have blocked all entry and exit points using containers and barricades. Despite the heavy police presence and warnings to disperse, a large number of protesters gathered at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, leading to road blockages.

On the other hand, the Anti-Riot Force (ARF) has occupied Faizabad Bridge with tear gas shelling and rubber bullets to prevent protesters from moving towards Islamabad's D-Chowk. The Metro Bus Authority (MBA) officials stated that the suspension of the service is aimed at ensuring the safety of both the buses and passengers. They emphasised that Metro buses will not be allowed entry into Islamabad until further notice.

Due to the protest, main markets and several petrol pumps, especially those along Murree Road, were closed in Rawalpindi. This led to a difficult situation for people, especially working women and families, who had to rely on expensive taxis to reach their homes as all private transport services were suspended.