Lahore’s entry, exit points blocked as PTI gears up for protest
All entry and exit points to Lahore have been blocked by authorities in anticipation of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, causing significant disruption for residents.
Containers and barriers have been placed across major roads leading in and out of the provincial capital. All connecting roads have been sealed off, and motorways leading out of Lahore to other cities are closed. The Babu Sabu area is also blocked with containers and barriers, and heavily guarded by police.
Roads leading to Shahdara and Bhatti Chowk are blocked in both directions. Containers are also present on the Azadi Flyover, causing significant traffic congestion and frustration among citizens. Police officers are stationed on the flyover, some wielding batons.
The motorway connecting Lahore to Islamabad is closed. All bus stations along the closed roads have been shut down. The Lahore Ring Road is completely closed to traffic at all interchanges.
The Ravi Bridge, Old Ravi Bridge, Saggian Ravi Bridge, Eastern Bypass, and Babu Sabu are completely closed to incoming and outgoing traffic. Traffic is flowing only on Thokar Niaz Beg to Multan Road. Raiwind Road, Ferozepur Road, and Gujjarpura Road remain open.
A Lahore Traffic Police spokesperson stated that traffic within the city itself is flowing normally.
Section 144 has been imposed for three days in Punjab and fifteen days in Balochistan, prohibiting all protests, gatherings, processions, rallies, and sit-ins.
Bus stations in Lahore have been closed. Road closures have led to a surge in passengers at the railway station. In response to the increased demand, railway authorities have added extra trains to Rawalpindi from Lahore.
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