–Entry and exit points, major roads remain closed for traffic as TLP continues protesting
–At least 50 policemen injured while trying to maintain law and order
–Markets start running out of supplies, petrol stations out of fuel
LAHORE: With the protests against Aasiya Bibi’s acquittal continuing on the third consecutive day, the city continued to be paralysed at the hands of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as routine work was halted and there was no public transport or mobile network services.
As per the details, all entry and exit points of the city, including Thokar Niaz Baig, Saghian and Ravi Bridge remained closed along with the motorway. Out of 26 places, only 10 were opened for commuting whereas 16 others were sealed.
Karol Ghati, Sharif Pura, Regal Chowk, Harbanspura, MM Alam Raod, Badami Bagh, Data Nagar Pula, Shah Di Khoi, Chauburji, Sham Nagar, Sadar, Ferozepur road, Nishtar U-turn, Pindi Stop, Dubai Town, Shahkam Chowk, Faizpur Interchange, Soye Asal Road, Shimla Pahari, Shahdara Chowk, Kalma Chowk, Shadiwal and Shalimar Chowk to name a few were among the areas closed for traffic.
All educational institutions also remained closed while the blockage of mobile and internet services in major parts of the provincial capital left the masses distressed.
Further, markets, including Shah Alam, Rang Mehal Chowk, Brandreth Road, Liberty, Anarkali and others remained closed as well, creating further problems for the people. The closure of markets also resulted in financial losses to the traders.
Fruits and vegetables could not be brought in to the city, due to which the vendors were seen selling items at exorbitant rates.
Fuel could also not be delivered at the petrol stations which resulted in a severe shortage across the city. Defence, Icchra, Shadbagh, Chungi Amarsadhu, Walton, Township, Gulberg, Rang Mehal, Mughalpura, Gulshan-e-Ravi were among the areas where closed petrol pumps could be seen.
According to information received by Pakistan Today, almost 50 out of 351 petrol pumps in Lahore remained closed and only 4 million litres of the stock was left with the pumps, while the daily requirement of petrol is 2.5 million litres.
On the other hand, at least 50 police officers were injured while trying to maintain the law and order situation in the city.
Amid the protests, trains could also not commute to or from the Lahore Railway Station.
The prices of chicken meat also raised due to the demand-supply gap.
Due to the unavailability of sweepers and inability to drive garbage trucks, the city could not be cleaned and waste could be seen lying around the city.