Islamabad Moves Towards Normalcy as Roadblocks Are Removed
News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Traffic conditions in the federal capital are gradually returning to normal as authorities have begun removing shipping containers placed on major roads and entry points nearly 25 days ago as part of security arrangements linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march.
Islamabad Inspector General of Police Sohail Chaudhry has directed officials to clear containers from highways and major thoroughfares across the city. Following the orders, cranes and lifters have been deployed at several locations to remove the barriers and restore traffic movement.
According to police sources, officials have been instructed to ensure that no containers remain on highways by the evening. The administration has also been directed to release containers parked outside police stations and return them to their owners, along with the relevant documentation.
The removal operation began on Constitution Avenue, also known as Shahrah-e-Dastoor, before expanding to other parts of the capital. However, containers remain in the Red Zone, where security arrangements continue.
The prolonged road closures had disrupted routine commuting, causing difficulties for residents and people travelling through the capital. Reports also indicated that mobile phone services were suspended during security operations.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed the development in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying the process of removing containers had begun. He expressed hope that the move would ease public inconvenience and help restore normal daily activities without requiring similar restrictions in the future.
Prolonged Security Restrictions
The containers were initially placed across major highways, entry points and sensitive locations following the PTI’s announcement of a long march towards Islamabad. The party had originally scheduled the march for September 27 but later postponed it to October 4 to allow further negotiations between the government and the opposition.
During this period, the federal government tightened security arrangements across Islamabad, blocking several routes to prevent potential disruptions and manage the anticipated protest.
Negotiations between the government and the PTI continued amid disagreements over the proposed march, the party’s political demands and access to its founder, Imran Khan. However, the talks failed to produce a breakthrough, and the PTI maintained its protest plans.
As political tensions persisted, government officials initiated further contacts in an effort to ease the situation and bring the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial administration on board. Consultations continued among political stakeholders, but disagreements over the handling of the protests and the province’s security situation remained unresolved.
Governor’s Rule in KP
Amid the escalating tensions, the federal government moved to impose an emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the measure under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, with concerns over militancy and the provincial government’s response cited as reasons for the decision.
Under the arrangement, the governor was assigned responsibility for managing the province’s administrative affairs with the assistance of an 11-member advisory council. The council includes Tariq Mahmood Pasha, Dr Aamir Abdullah, Lieutenant General (retd) Nigar Johar, Samar Bilour, Dr Sarfaraz Ali, Aamir Javed, Dr M. Irshad, Kifayatullah, Tayyab Qureshi, Usman Saifullah Khan and Asif Rafiq.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said the powers of the chief minister, provincial cabinet and advisers had been transferred to the governor under Governor’s Rule. Authorities also announced a separate secretariat under the governor and chief secretary to oversee administrative matters in 12 districts.
A notification was issued for the deployment of the army under Article 245 of the Constitution to assist the civil administration and maintain law and order in the province.
The developments also prompted reports of detentions involving PTI provincial leaders, including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The party opposed the federal government’s decision, while the government defended the move on security grounds.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also rejected the imposition of an emergency and Governor’s Rule, describing it as detrimental to the negotiation process. He argued that political disputes should be resolved through dialogue, while his party indicated that it would respond through political and democratic means.
Return to Normalcy Remains Gradual
The removal of containers in Islamabad marks a step towards easing restrictions that have affected movement across the capital for several weeks. The operation is expected to provide relief to commuters and the owners and drivers of vehicles used to transport the barriers.
Nevertheless, security arrangements in the Red Zone remain in place, indicating that authorities continue to maintain precautions at sensitive locations.
The gradual reopening of roads comes against the backdrop of continuing political disagreements and security concerns. While the removal of containers may help restore routine movement, the broader situation remains linked to developments in negotiations, the PTI’s protest campaign and the federal government’s measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
