Islamabad, Pakistan: Violence erupts in Pakistan and the law and order situation is deteriorating across Pakistan, particular in Islamabad, Karachi & Lahore after the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) launched a crackdown against religious parties who had since 20 days been holding a sit-in at Faizabad Interchange in Capital city of Islamabad.
Hours after the LEAs began the operation at Faizabad on 7:30 am on Saturday, anti-government protests began erupting across the Country as in the Federal Capital, people of Bhara Kahu and Chak Shahzad areas flocked and blocked the roads with burning tyres.
In Punjab as well, people staged protests and chanted slogans against the government over carrying out the operation against religious parties’ activists at Faizabad. They blocked Grand Trunk (GT) Road from multiple points for traveling between Lahore & Rawalpindi.
The protesters also blocked the motorway from Islamabad Interchange, Babu Sabu Interchange, Fathe Jhang Interchange, Chakri Interchange, and Pindi Bhattian Interchange.
Likewise in Lahore, protesters blocked Mohalanwal Road, Multan Road, Ichra, Darogha Wala, Bhaata Chowk, Shahdara Chowk, Imamia Colony, Faisal Chowk, GPO Chowk, Dubai Chowk, Raiwind Road Lahore, Bedian Road, Baghban Pura, Canal Road, Walton Road and Chungi Amar Sadhu.
Besides, people also demonstrated at Akbari Mandi, Johar Town, Chungh, Nishtar Colony, Faisal Chowk and Mall Road outside the Punjab Assembly. Therefore, all roads passing through these areas were eventually blocked. Moreover, Metro Bus Service was also suspended due to ongoing protest.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and suggested him to handle Islamabad sit-in (dharna) peacefully.
The COAS also asked both the conflicting parties to avoid violence as it is not in national interest & cohesion.
