Castling the Capital

The federal government braces to confront the long march by transforming the capital city into a fortified stronghold

Islamabad: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) long march has yet to reach Islamabad, but the federal government has already transformed the capital city into a castle-like structure by stacking a large number of containers at its entry points. The government appears to be preparing to confront the long march head-on. It has further complicated matters by redefining and expanding the “red zone.”

The Red Zone has been expanded to Zero Point, which is yet another effort by the government to address the PTI’s protracted march or likely sit-in in the capital territory. Following the government’s extension, a few residential areas have also become part of the “red zone.” Containers can be found at all access ports to Islamabad, including Faizabad. These containers have already shrunk the width of the thoroughfares significantly, and they are also impeding the smooth flow of traffic.

The government has devised yet another method to prevent any political or other procession from entering the Red Zone. It has begun work on steel gates at Serena Chowk and Nadra Chowk. After the completion of these gates, which is expected soon, the government will close the gates to all types of traffic. In the foreseeable future, there will be no need to place containers at these intersections to restrict traffic. The construction of the iron gates at Nadra Chowk is nearly complete, but the construction of the iron gates at Serena Chowk will take a few more days. Meanwhile, numerous containers have been placed at Serena Chowk, which may be used to obstruct traffic heading towards Constitution Avenue.

Moreover, the iconic D-Chowk has already been closed off with the installation of iron gates at its entrance. Although much work has been done recently to beautify both sides of D-Chowk, its entrance from Jinnah Avenue is now closed to vehicles.

While containers are parked at Bhara Kahu and further down the arteries connected to Muree Road, Srinagar Highway, and Khayaban-e-Suharwardy, they are obstructing the highways leading to the capital from Muree’s direction at any given time. Similarly, the Islamabad Highway has been clogged with containers from Korang Bridge to Zero Point and even beyond to Margalla Road.

“This containers’ parking before the PTI-sponsored march implies the government is seriously castling itself in the red zone, which has been extended to four residential sectors of the capital,” said a former Islamabad police officer. “The Apex Court would not allow any political rally or assembly within the newly defined red zone.”

“Whenever Islamabad is under siege, we get stranded on GT Road, unable to move any closer to the capital,” informed a nurse who commutes every day from Wah Cantt to Rawalpindi. “I’m thinking about moving in with a friend in a hostel to avoid missing work in case the long march reaches the capital and sparks the government’s head-on reaction to put a stop to it.”

According to Haseeb Hanif, a local journalist who works for a major publication, the government has blocked Nadra Chowk near Radio Pakistan, causing significant problems for commuters. “Because I have to go daily from my office in Aabpara to the Pakistan Secretariat and Parliament House to execute my professional obligations, I take Serena Chowk instead of the quicker route of Nadra Chowk,” he added.

He further stated that if there is a political event or other event that the government takes seriously and opposes, even the Serena Chowk is closed to traffic. In circumstances like this, he said, only Margalla Road is left open, which takes a long time for commuters to get to their destinations.

“Using Margallah Road consumes more petrol, which has become an extremely expensive commodity,” Hanif articulated.

Khalil-ur-Rehman is a motorcyclist who operates his bike as a taxi in Islamabad, and he usually stands at the Metro Bus Service’s Secretariat Station.

He fears that if the long march gets close to Islamabad, the authorities will close all access ports, depriving him of his source of income.

“I’m afraid of what would happen if the government walled off the entire capital territory by barricading the entrances. I’ve witnessed multiple instances recently when containers have been placed on the Margalla Road. It becomes impossible to commute both within and outside of the city, “ he added.

In the case that the capital is castled, residents of Bari Imam and other areas such as Bhara Kahu may experience numerous commuting challenges.

In these circumstances, residents of Bari Imam or those travelling through the city must show their office cards to get access to the Red Zone or Blue Area. In such instances, even walking is prohibited.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the Long March, the federal government has placed all hospitals under its ambit, including the PIMS Hospital, on high alert.

The heads of all departments have been directed to ensure their presence in the hospitals. Doctors’ and paramedics’ leaves have been cancelled, and they have been instructed not to leave their respective stations without prior permission.

On the other hand, there is a festival-like atmosphere on Murree Road in Rawalpindi due to the stalls set up by the PTI’s local leadership to welcome the participants of the long march. These stalls have been set up at various spots along the thoroughfare, and PTI-themed music is being played over loudspeakers.