KARACHI: Roads have been blocked in major cities across the country as religious parties continued to protest for a third day on Friday against a Supreme Court verdict acquitting Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death on blasphemy charges.
Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi on Thursday said the government is in consultation with the opposition for bringing the country-wide protests to an end. Afridi said they will get the routes blocked by protesters reopened “through wisdom”, for which all institutions were in coordination with each other.
As the protests continue and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TLP) has called for a shutter-down strike, roads in major cities have been blocked and commuters are advised to avoid the following routes:
Karachi
In Karachi, roads have been blocked in at least 25 places.
Teen Talwar, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Star Gate at Shahra-e-Faisal, Numaish, Sohrab Goth, Korangi 5, Korangi 3, Korangi 2.5, Ranchor Line, Power House Chowrangi, Nagan Chowrangi, Qayyumabad, Murtaza and Bilal Chowrangis, New Karachi, Surjani Town, Landhi 89, Landhi 5, Landhi 6 and Teen Hatti have been blocked.
Garden, Tower, roads near the Furniture Market and Shoe Market, Hub River Road, Baldia and Maripur Road have also been blocked.
The road to Jinnah International Airport from Star Gate has been blocked and commuters are advised to use the University Road,
Roads have also been blocked at four places in Hyderabad. Hyder Chowk, Abdul Qayyum Road, Bacha Khan Road and Makki Shah Road have been blocked.
The entry points to Karachi have also been blocked affecting traffic from Hyderabad to Karachi.
Lahore
Roads have been blocked at Charring Cross at Mall Road, Data Darbar, Shahdara Chowk, Kalma Chowk, Bhatta Chowk and Ferozepur Road.
Roads leading to Muridke, Nathe Khalsa, Paka Meel and Mohlanwal have also been blocked.
Further, roads leading to Sialkot from Daska, Pasrur and Sambrial have also been blocked. Roads are also blocked at various points in Gujranwala.
The Lahore Police also took to Twitter and announced, “Provocative speech and unlawful use of loud speaker are not allowed, citizens may contact the police via 8330 (SMS), 0336 9221515 (Whatsapp) or 15 (call) to share such kind of information.”
Islamabad
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Faizabad Interchange is blocked. Roads are blocked at Dhoke Kala Khan and Tramri and Karal Chowks.
Further, roads leading to Taxila, Pir Sohawa, Sarai Alamgir and Gujrat are blocked.
Motorways
Further, National Highways and Motorway Police spokesperson said all motorways have been closed for traffic.
Peshawar
In Peshawar, the Ring Road and GT Road have been blocked. Roads leading to the motorway have also been blocked.
On Wednesday, following the protests, Section 144 was imposed across Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan barring the gathering of more than four persons in public places as well as pillion riding. Section 144 has been imposed till November 10.
Train operations affected
According to Railways officials, Jaffar Express from Peshawar to Quetta which was scheduled to depart at 6am has been delayed without any revised schedule.
The Awam Express from Peshawar to Karachi was also unable to depart for the metropolis. Khushal Khan Khattak Express has been delayed and is expected to depart for Karachi at 5pm.
Meanwhile, Karachi-bound Khyber Mail will now depart at 10pm after a two-day delay.
Mobile phone services suspended in four cities
Mobile phone services have been suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujranwala from 8am till Maghrib.
