Authorities Remove Containers as Normalcy Returns to Islamabad, Rawalpindi After PTI Protest

Authorities have begun removing containers from roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, marking a return to normalcy following the clearance of D-Chowk and surrounding areas after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.

In Rawalpindi, containers placed on the Faizabad Flyover and Murree Road are being lifted, and the Faizabad Interchange, which had been closed for five days, has reopened. Similarly, major motorways, including the M1 (Islamabad to Lahore), M2 (Sialkot to Lahore), M3, M4, M5, and the Multan-Sukkur Motorway, have resumed operations after several days of closure.

The restoration of traffic comes after PTI officially called off its protest.

Interior Minister Visits Cleared Areas

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the area between D-Chowk and Khyber Plaza, commending the bravery of law enforcement agencies, including the Rangers, Islamabad Police, Punjab Police, Sindh Police, Frontier Corps (FC), and the Pakistan Army. He praised their efforts in clearing D-Chowk and nearby areas.

During his visit, Naqvi assessed damage to buildings and infrastructure caused during the protests and instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to clean the affected roads. He also directed the removal of remaining road blockages.

Naqvi lauded the operation as a success in thwarting a “conspiracy to sow discord,” calling it a victory for Pakistanis.

Protest Aftermath

The government’s large-scale operation against PTI protesters in Islamabad’s Blue Area resulted in the clearance of the area, though several containers were set ablaze during the unrest.

One of the burned containers reportedly carried PTI leaders Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur. Police confirmed it was the same container they used to access the protest site.

With roadways now reopened and clean-up efforts underway, authorities aim to restore full functionality to the twin cities.