ISLAMABAD: Life in the capital city returned to normal on Thursday after four days of disruption caused by protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Businesses reopened, public transport resumed operations, and schools welcomed students back as residents breathed a sigh of relief.
The demonstrations, blocked major roads and caused widespread traffic jams.
Vendors and shopkeepers expressed relief, citing significant financial losses during the protests.
“I’m glad to be back to work. The last few days were challenging for everyone,” said Ahmed Khan, a local shop owner. Commuters, too, welcomed the resumption of public services, though many remained wary of future disruptions.
Motorists were seen heading to Faisal Avenue and Jinnah Avenue as residents resumed their daily routines. The reopening of roads marked a significant step toward restoring normalcy in the federal capital.
The Metro Bus service, which had been halted for four days, also resumed operations, providing much-needed public transport to commuters. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, reopened their doors after a prolonged suspension, while shops and businesses began operating again, signaling the gradual recovery of economic activity in the city.
The protests, which had paralyzed the city, stemmed from demands for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains a central figure in Pakistan’s political landscape. The protests saw PTI supporters converging in Islamabad’s Blue Area, leading to severe disruptions in daily life.
The turning point came during a late-night operation on Tuesday when law enforcement agencies successfully cleared the Blue Area, dispersing protesters. The crackdown reportedly involved heavy tear gas shelling, which created a chaotic scene in the area. A container used by PTI leaders as a protest hub caught fire during the operation, further escalating tensions.
Prominent figures associated with the protest, including Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, were reported to have fled the scene in a vehicle amidst the government’s crackdown. The operation was a decisive move to restore order in the capital and marked the culmination of days of unrest.
The protests had brought life in Islamabad to a standstill, with significant disruptions to transportation, education, and business activities. The heavy police presence and tense atmosphere in the city underscored the political volatility of the situation. As the city resumes its routine, the events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Pakistan’s political and social stability.
