Twin cities start to ‘return normal’ after being paralyzed for two days

ISLAMABAD: Life in Twin Cities is gradually returning to normal after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, which disrupted daily activities in the capital city. Following the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) orders, authorities have begun to lift restrictions and restore essential services.

Mobile phone services, which were suspended for two days, are being reinstated, and roads previously blocked by containers are starting to reopen. The city’s main thoroughfares, including the Blue Area and Jinnah Avenue, are now clear, allowing for the smooth flow of traffic.

Moreover, Rawalpindi’s deputy commissioner has confirmed that all barricades and roadblocks have been removed from the city, restoring traffic flow. Both tracks of Murree Road and nearby thoroughfares are now open, with the remaining obstacles being cleared.

However, the Murree Road at Faizabad remains closed, pending authorization from the Islamabad administration to reopen. This section is under Islamabad’s jurisdiction, and its reopening awaits their clearance.

Additionally, the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab, has been reopened after a two-day closure. The road has been blocked since Friday, causing significant inconvenience to inter-province commuters and traders.

Earlier, The Islamabad High Court ordered the government to restore normalcy in the Federal Capital as no one has the right to disrupt daily life activities especially when foreign delegations are set to visit Islamabad for important events.

Islamabad’s administration has confirmed that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain peace and order in the capital, especially with the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Residents and commuters have welcomed the return to normalcy, expressing hope that the city will remain peaceful and functional.