Metro bus service suspended in Rawalpindi, Islamabad today

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have suspended the Islamabad Rawalpindi Metro bus service and enhanced the security at the Metro bus stations ahead of a protest called by a religious party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the federal capital.

Earlier, PTI announced holding a power show in Isalamabad’s Tarnol read today despite the revocation of the non-objection certificate (NOC) that was granted earlier to the Imran Khan-founded party.

However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that the party has decided to postpone today’s public gathering on the directives of founder Imran Khan. A party notification quoted Imran Khan as saying that the government wanted to spread chaos under the garb of the rally.

Following the announcement of a PTI rally, police blocked all arteries of the federal capital with containers including Faizabad on Murree Road, the Double Road, and Chongi No 26 bus stop, and additional security was put on high alert.

Islamabad police have completely sealed the Red Zone regarding the possible volatile situation due to the Mubarak Sani case hearing today at the Supreme Court. The road closure on major thoroughfares leaves people stuck in traffic as long queues of vehicles are formed.

Moreover, District Magistrate Islamabad notified the closure of public and private educational institutions and on August 22 (Thursday) within the revenue limits of Islamabad Capital Territory. “The decision was taken to ensure the safety of the students in the federal capital,” the interior ministry said.

Yesterday, Islamabad Chief Commissioner denied permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amid security concerns raised by the District Intelligence Committee.