Residents of the twin cities were blindsided on Sunday after the district administrations started blocking major roads by placing heavy containers without any prior public announcement ahead of Dr Tahirul Qadri’s arrival on Monday morning.
Security was tightened and deployment on the checkpoints lining all entry and exit routes for the two cities was increased. Leave for all law enforcement personnel were also cancelled.
The closure of major roads sparked massive traffic jams. Thousands of commuters were stranded on Airport Road, Peshawar Road, IJ Principal Road and Murree Road in the scorching heat.
Ammar Chowk, Sohan Chowk and Katchery Chowk were closed for traffic, while containers were also placed on GT Road near Tarnol. The City District Government Rawalpindi (CDGR) also blocked Rawal Road near Chandni Chowk. Peshawar Road was blocked off with trucks near the Pirwadhai flyover, while Airport Road near Jinnah Park was closed using containers. Many citizens were left with no choice but to travel by foot to reach their destinations as no public transport was available. Islamabad saw fewer containers, but the red zone had been effectively walled off.
Moreover, shopkeepers and traders were also asked to close down their businesses. The traders expressed anger over closure of the markets. “We were not informed about the closure of roads beforehand. It has completely taken all of us by surprise,” said Ibrar Ahmed, a rickshaw driver.
Usually in cases such as arrival of Tahirul Qadri, traffic plan is issued at least a day beforehand but on Sunday the police first blocked the roads and issued the traffic plan several hours later.
People who were visiting markets were unable to find any transport to return to their homes, while those who came to hospitals were stranded there.
“This is unjust. If Dr Qadri is coming, let him come. There is no need to block the roads,” commented Zubair Zafar, a motorist who also exchanged harsh words with a policeman near Jinnah Park for not allowing him to cross the blockade. The situation also affected those going to the airport. “I am getting late and may miss my flight. Please let me reach the airport,” a passenger pled with a police officer. He said that if there were any security threats, deploying extra police personnel was the solution, rather than blocking the roads for traffic.
Moreover, all roads leading to Benazir Bhutto International Airport were sealed. Streets that connect to Airport Road were also closed with barriers and line with police personnel.
People with confirmed tickets were allowed entry and later shuttle service was started for them to take them to the airport from points where roads were blocked. Long queues of people were seen outside the airport, waiting for their turn to get their luggage checked and allowed entry.
The administrations of the twin cities have reportedly decided to suspend mobile phone service on Monday and hold joint army and rangers patrols in Islamabad.
Hospitals are on high alert and the leave of doctors and nurses have been cancelled. Dr Asif Qadir Mir, a medical superintendent at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, said they were ready to cope with any kind of emergency.
City Police Officer Rawalpindi Humyun Bashir Tarar said roads leading to airport were blocked for security reasons, while claiming no Qadri supporters had been arrested.
PAT supporters had also started arriving in Rawalpindi to receive their leader. “We are here to receive him and will go to the airport no matter what,” said Amina Bibi, who came from Chakwal.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi District Coordination Officer (DCO) Sajid Zafar Dal imposed Section 144 in the district. Dal justified the move by saying his office had received intelligence reports regarding security threats in the city. He said PAT supporters were asked to hold their public gathering in Rawat as it would be easier to ensure their security there. After they refused, the administration had no choice but to impose Section 144, Dal added.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2014.