The internal and external routes of Lahore were closed, following the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.
In anticipation of the PTI protest, Lahore’s internal and external routes were sealed off with containers, effectively blocking all major roads and highways.
The motorways connecting Lahore to other cities were also shut down, while Babu Sabu was barricaded with containers and police barriers. A significant police presence was deployed to maintain order.
The roads leading to Shahdara and Bhatti Chowk have also been closed from both sides, containers are also present on the Azadi Flyover, due to which the citizens are suffering, while a police contingent is present on the Azadi Flyover holding batons.
In a recent development, PTI has announced a protest at Bhatti Chowk under the leadership of Salman Akram Raja.
In an announcement, the PTI members and ticket holders along with Lahore leadership and workers will protest at Bhatti Chowk.
PTI said that General Secretary Tehreek-e-Insaf Salman Akram Raja will lead the protest, and people from other cities will head to Islamabad when the road opens.
PTI leader Imtiaz Sheikh said that the public and workers should reach the Chowk by noon, all the convoys from Lahore will gather at Bhatti Chowk.
On the other hand, the police took action on this announcement. DIG Operations Faisal stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) initially planned to protest at 10 am, but the time was later changed to noon.
Despite the change, Faisal assured that the authorities were prepared. He also warned that if the protesters violate the law, action will be taken accordingly. It’s worth noting that PTI’s protests have had a history of turning violent.
The motorways, and bus stands are closed, in addition to that, Lahore Ring Road is completely closed to traffic from all intersections.
On the other hand, road closures and arrests from PTI convoys have been sent to various cities including Islamabad.
Ravi Bridge, Old Ravi Bridge, Sagan Ravi Bridge, Eastern Bypass, and Babusabu are closed. However, traffic can still pass through Thokar Niaz Baig to Multan Road. Additionally, Raiwind Road, Ferozepur Road, and Gajumta remain open to traffic.
According to the traffic police spokesperson, the traffic is flowing normally within Lahore city. Section 144 was imposed in Punjab for 3 days and in Balochistan for 15 days, due to which all kinds of protests, gatherings, processions, rallies, and sit-ins were banned.
Due to the closure of bus stands, a rush of passengers increased at the railway station, in view of the rush, the railway administration also ran additional trains from Lahore to Rawalpindi.
