Life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained severely disrupted for a second consecutive day on Saturday as a Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) protest outside the US Embassy in Islamabad — demanding a ceasefire in Gaza — led to widespread road closures, suspension of metro bus service, and mobile internet shutdown across the twin cities.

According to the local administration, major connecting arteries between the two cities — including Faizabad Interchange, GT Road, Motorway, and Murree Road — have been sealed with shipping containers, causing massive traffic jams and difficulties for commuters trying to reach offices and educational institutions.

Reports also emerged of clashes between TLP workers and police in Lahore’s Shahdara area. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters, leaving several people injured.

In Islamabad, the entire Red Zone has been sealed, with only Margalla Road open for restricted movement.

In Rawalpindi, major roads, including Waris Khan, Committee Chowk, Shamsabad, Rawal Road, Shaheen Chowk, Saddar, and Old Airport routes, remain closed.

Sources said that all entry points to Faizabad, Khanna Pul, Kuri Road, and Dhoke Kala Khan have also been blocked with containers.

Flight delays were reported due to the closure of routes leading to Islamabad International Airport.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi administration has imposed a complete ban on the entry of heavy traffic, while the metro bus service remained suspended for the second consecutive day.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited Faizabad on Friday night.

Speaking on the occasion, the interior minister said that “no group will be allowed to march on Islamabad or any other city, and strict action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands”.

Addressing a press conference earlier, Talal Chaudhry said the TLP was protesting “in the name of Gaza and Palestine,” even though “the world is welcoming Israel’s retreat,” adding that the protest “has lost its purpose”.

He said that confessional statements from TLP workers arrested in Lahore revealed plans for violent activity, and authorities had recovered materials intended for such actions.

Talal Chaudhry stated that several police and Rangers personnel were injured in the Lahore clashes, while Safe City cameras were damaged, and incidents of gunfire were also reported.

“The government’s policy is clear — violence and chaos will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that the Punjab government was handling the situation “with restraint and responsibility.”

He noted that stopping around 2,000 TLP supporters in Lahore “was not a challenge,” but the authorities had decided to exercise minimum force.

In Islamabad, heavy contingents of police and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel have been deployed, and all hotels near Faizabad have been shut down.

Residents complained that the closures have paralysed business, education, and daily life in the twin cities.

The Interior Ministry has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and use alternative routes, warning that the protest situation could be prolonged further.