Islamabad Begins Removing Containers as Roads Reopen After More Than Three Weeks, Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Says Normal Life Will Return
ISLAMABAD: Work has begun to remove the shipping containers placed on roads across the federal capital. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced the development in a statement on social media on Monday and expressed hope that containers would not need to be placed in Islamabad again.
All roads to be cleared by evening
According to police sources, the Inspector General of Police Islamabad has directed the relevant authorities to remove all containers from the roads by the evening and fully restore the flow of traffic. The clearance is expected to bring relief to office workers, students, traders and transporters after weeks of disruption.
Blockade lasted more than three weeks
The containers were placed in September on major roads, entry and exit points and routes leading to the Red Zone ahead of a possible long march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and remained in place for more than three weeks. During that period residents faced long detours, business activity suffered and the movement of goods vehicles also slowed.
Background
After the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the threat of a march on the capital eased and the administration decided to remove the barriers. Officials say normal life in Islamabad will gradually be fully restored once the roads are completely reopened, while the security situation will continue to be monitored.
