RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Life in the twin cities is slowly returning to normal after days of unrest and violent confrontations between law enforcement and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists — yet the uneasy calm suggests that tensions remain far from over.
Shops have reopened, schools are functioning again, and traffic is gradually easing, but a sense of caution still hangs over the streets. Residents describe the atmosphere as “tense but quiet,” with many still wary of venturing out unnecessarily after the recent chaos that gripped the cities.
During the height of the disturbances, key intersections such as Faizabad, Shamsabad, and Kutchery Chowk were barricaded with shipping containers, paralyzing daily life. Parents were caught off guard as several schools abruptly closed early, urging them to pick up children before noon amid safety concerns. Even after the restrictions eased, public transport services, including the Metro Bus, remained disrupted.
The administration, however, has maintained a strong show of force. City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani led extensive flag marches through major routes to project state authority and restore public confidence. Over 6,500 personnel from the police, reserve forces, and Punjab Highway Patrol were deployed across both cities, while Section 144 remains in effect to curb public gatherings. More than 230 TLP activists have been detained so far, with several transferred to Adiala Jail as part of the crackdown.
Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema assured residents that “law and order is under control” and urged them to rely only on verified information, dismissing rumours circulating on social media. He also confirmed that food and essential supplies remain uninterrupted despite mobility challenges.
Markets and offices have resumed business, yet the crowds are thinner than usual, reflecting ongoing public anxiety. Shopkeepers report reduced footfall and sluggish sales, while commuters continue to encounter sporadic roadblocks at sensitive points.
While the administration insists that peace has been restored, the heavy security presence and low public confidence tell another story — one of a city still recovering from confrontation and a public uncertain when the next flare-up might erupt.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.