Lahore's exit, entrance points sealed amid PTI protest

In a bid to forestall Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) caravans from reaching  Islamabad, authorities have blocked entry and exit points of Lahore, leading to widespread inconvenience for residents of the citizens.

Local authorities blocked bridges over the Chenab and Jhelum rivers in the Gujrat district to restrict PTI protesters’ movement towards Islamabad.

Containers and barriers were placed on the roads reaching Lahore and leading out of the metropolis. Moreover, all link roads, including motorways, were also sealed off. 

Roads leading to the Babu Sabu area, Shahdara, Azadi flyover, and Bhatti Chowk were blocked from both sides, and the areas were being guarded by heavy police contingents. 

According to the sources, containers placed in several areas were wielded to avoid resistance from protesters.

The security at Lahore railway station was also beefed up due to the huge number of passengers reaching here to pick up the train for getting to Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other areas. 

Earlier, the government vowed to display power show with full force, deploying massive security forces, enforcing a ban on gathering, blocking highways and motorways and launching a crackdown on leaders and workers of the opposition party.

Apart from this, a spokesperson stated that flow is normal in Lahore, however, section 144 was imposed across Punjab for 15 days, which prohibits protests, gatherings, processions, rallies, and sit-ins. 

However, the development comes after the Islamabad High Court ruling described PTI’s protest as unlawful and directed the government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order situation.