A wave of road closures swept through Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad as authorities reacted to a large religious rally. Key entry points like Babu Sabu and Thokar Niaz Baig were blocked with containers. The Lahore–Islamabad Motorway and GT Road also saw partial closures, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours, struggling to find alternate routes amid tight police monitoring.
Commuters Face Long Delays and Chaos
As transport networks came to a standstill, travelers were seen walking long distances or waiting for hours. The blockage of the Chenab River Bridge in Gujrat worsened the crisis, cutting off vital intercity routes. Public frustration grew as vehicles lined up for kilometers, and transporters suspended operations due to uncertainty. Many residents described the situation as one of the worst traffic breakdowns in recent memory.
Public Transport Suspended for Safety
To prevent any unrest, Lahore’s Orange Line Train service was temporarily halted. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, both Metro Bus and electric bus services were also suspended. These moves, though aimed at ensuring safety, caused immense inconvenience for office workers and students. Crowds gathered at bus stops, unsure of how to continue their journeys as security personnel patrolled main intersections.
Schools and Universities Closed Early
Educational institutions also felt the impact. All public and private schools in Lahore were ordered to close at 11 AM as a precautionary measure. The University of Punjab canceled all exams scheduled for Friday, promising to announce new dates soon. Parents rushed to pick up their children, while students preparing for midterm tests expressed frustration over the repeated academic disruptions caused by unrest and closures.
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Section 144 Imposed Across Punjab
To maintain order, the Punjab government imposed Section 144, which bans public gatherings of more than four people for ten days. Officials clarified that the restriction does not apply to religious ceremonies, weddings, or funerals. However, the display of weapons in public has been strictly prohibited. Law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent any group from violating the restrictions.
Internet Services Suspended in Twin Cities
The Interior Ministry instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to suspend mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from midnight. The suspension, with no given restoration time, affected communication and online services. Many residents complained of being unable to access banking apps or communicate with family. Authorities said the move was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public safety.
Legal and Professional Work Disrupted
The Islamabad High Court Bar Association raised concerns about the movement restrictions. Many lawyers were unable to reach the court due to road blockades. The association requested that no adverse orders be passed in their absence, citing genuine travel barriers. Office workers in both cities also faced severe delays, with many opting to work remotely as transport and internet shutdowns made commutes impossible.
Traffic Police Issues Diversion Plan
The Islamabad Traffic Police released a new diversion plan to manage the crisis. Vehicles were rerouted from 26 Number Chowk, Rawat, and Faizabad toward alternate paths. Heavy vehicles were banned from entering the capital on October 10. Drivers were advised to use Margalla Avenue and IJP Road for intercity movement. Despite these measures, congestion remained heavy, with slow-moving traffic across key intersections.
Security Forces on High Alert
Security forces, including Rangers and police units, have been deployed across sensitive locations in both cities. Aerial surveillance has also been initiated to track crowd movements and prevent violence. Officials confirmed that additional security measures could follow if the situation intensifies. For now, residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure peace and safety.