life returns to normalcy after countrywide protests end

Routine life gradually returned to normal around the country as blockades by religious parties were cleared Friday night from multiple areas of the city after the government and the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) reached an agreement to end days-long protests after the Supreme Court’s order to release Asia Bibi.

The sit-in near Star Gate area, on the metropolis’ Shahrah-e-Faisal, concluded and traffic resumed after roads were cleared up. Protesters were advised by the TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi to disperse peacefully following the deal.

TLP spokesperson Pir Ijaz Qadri told AFP: “The party leaders have announced to end protest sit-ins across the country. Workers have been asked to disperse peacefully.”

Traffic flow also resumed near Al-Asif Square as vehicles were allowed to reenter the city and the sit-ins on Super Highway and other areas ended.

Another protest that was staged near Safari Park on Karachi’s University Road also concluded, resulting in clear traffic flow.

The sit-in near Numaish Chowrangi was also wrapped up following the agreement and the protesters departed peacefully.

Demonstrations that had erupted on Wednesday had left major highways — including the motorway connecting Lahore and Islamabad — blocked and routine life paralysed in major cities, and caused gridlock across swathes of the country.

Several mainstream religious parties had also held separate demonstrations in major cities following the Jummah prayers, with thousands of demonstrators converging near government offices in Islamabad.

Mobile services in major cities across Pakistan, apart from Karachi, were also down throughout Friday.

The protests had come after Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a forceful rebuke to the TLP in a nationally-televised address in the ruling’s wake, saying the government would not tolerate violent protests.

AFP