Business and social life in Rawalpindi are beginning to return to normal as roads have been reopened after authorities removed barriers that were set up in response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The removal of these barriers, which were blocking over 30 key locations, has brought some relief to commuters. However, significant disruptions remain, particularly concerning the metro bus service and routes connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The disruptions started on Thursday night when the government, anticipating PTI protests, placed containers to block critical routes, leading to widespread road closures that impacted daily life, business, and commuting in the region. These measures effectively cut off movement between the two cities, causing frustration among the residents.
As of Sunday, authorities began removing barriers from key roads in Rawalpindi, including Stadium Road, Double Road, 6th Road Chowk, and Chandni Chowk, allowing traffic to flow again. This development is expected to ease congestion and bring back some level of normalcy for residents who depend on these routes for their daily commute.
Despite the reopening of roads, the metro bus service remains suspended for the third day. This shutdown is particularly disruptive as the metro typically serves around 125,000 passengers daily. Its closure has forced many commuters to find alternative transport, increasing the pressure on other routes that are still partially blocked, such as Faizabad, IJP, and Pandora Chowk.
Business activity in the area also remains low, with many commercial establishments either closed or operating at reduced capacity due to the ongoing situation. While some shops have reopened, the overall economic activity in Rawalpindi is still sluggish, with fewer customers and foot traffic.
Mobile phone and data services, which were disrupted during the protest, have been restored, bringing some relief to residents relying on them for communication and coordination amidst the travel disruptions.
Police maintain a significant presence in the area, monitoring the situation closely. Containers are still placed at strategic junctions, limiting traffic flow, and in some areas, only a single lane is open for vehicles, adding to the congestion.
By evening, barriers on key routes, including Murree Road to the Red Zone, Mall Road at the Metro Bus Station in Saddar, and Haider Road, were removed, allowing the reopening of these roads to general traffic. However, the overall return to normalcy is gradual as authorities continue to manage the remaining challenges.
