"People aren't foolish:" Netizens outraged as govt seals captial ahead of PTI protest

The government has blocked key routes leading to Islamabad and imposed Section 144 as part of measures to prevent protests ahead of PTI’s planned march to the federal capital. However, these measures have caused severe inconvenience to ordinary citizens, making even urgent travel difficult for them.

The Islamabad police have closed the city's main entry and exit points, with Margalla Avenue barricaded using containers on both sides.

The National Highways Authority announced the closure of motorways for "road maintenance" starting Friday at 8 PM.

As a result, motorways leading to Islamabad have been completely closed to normal traffic, with diversions in place, such as directing vehicles to Thokar Niaz Baig and the Babusabu side. The motorways affected by these closures include:

M1: Peshawar to Islamabad

M2: Lahore to Islamabad

M3: Lahore to Abdul Hakeem

M4: Pindi Bhattian to Multan

M11: Sialkot to Lahore

M14: Yarik to Hakla

In addition, 15 critical routes within Islamabad have also been blocked, including Kati Pahari, Nicholson Monument, Paswal, Fatehjang Road, Margalla Avenue, Faizabad, and Barakahu.

Earlier, the Islamabad administration ordered the evacuation of all student hostels in the city on Friday. Meanwhile, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province from November 23 to November 25, banning all protests, gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, and similar activities.

These blockages have caused immense difficulties for thousands of citizens, who are unable to reach their destinations, even in emergencies.

Journalist Nusrat Javed highlighted the plight of a citizen who had booked a wedding marquee located in one of the blocked areas, leaving the family in distress.

Several analysts and activists criticised the government for disrupting the daily lives of ordinary people in pursuit of political measures without considering the impact on the public.

“People of Pakistan are not foolish. They understand the reasons behind the closure of motorway. We know it’s not maintainance it’s the dirty politics which forced Motorway Police to lie in public,” said journalist Hamid Mir.