Normalcy has returned to Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday after four days of protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at D-Chowk. The city’s entry and exit points have reopened, and containers blocking roads and bridges have been moved to the roadside. Public transport was operating on its usual routes, though the Metro bus service in Islamabad remained suspended, while it has resumed in Rawalpindi. Government offices, private businesses, and schools have reopened, and traffic was flowing on major roads including Jinnah Avenue, Expressway, Srinagar Highway, and Faizabad. However, the Red Zone, including Serena Chowk, NADRA Chowk, and D-Chowk, remained closed, with government employees and citizens using Margalla Road for transit. Residents have expressed that while protests were a right for all parties, efforts should be made to prevent chaos, as city closures do not solve issues. PTI's protests had been ongoing for the past three days at various locations in the federal capital, leading to the suspension of the Metro bus service, which has now largely resumed.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan