ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metro Bus Service resumed following a short suspension caused by a Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) protest against high electricity rates.
As per a private media report, the service is now operational from Rawalpindi Saddar to Islamabad Secretariat, with all stations functioning.
To enable the resumption of services, containers have been removed from Chandni Chowk, and most obstacles on Murree Road have been cleared.
The Metro Bus Service was suspended, and the capital’s red zone was sealed with containers in anticipation of the upcoming protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).
The opposition parties announced protest targets against the increase in power tariffs, inflated electricity bills, and the release of PTI leader Imran Khan.
JI announced a sit-in at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, while the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) organized nationwide protests against rising inflation.
To counter the protests, authorities closed the routes leading to the federal capital, while heavy contingents of police took their positions at all entry and exit points of the city.
The police also closed the Faizabad interchange, which connects Rawalpindi to Islamabad, by placing heavy barriers.
Meanwhile, Islamabad police placed containers on the link road from Lahore and Peshawar to the motorway, resulting in long queues.
On the other hand, the Federal Ministry of Education has extended the summer holidays for Islamabad educational institutions until August 4, 2024, citing the heat wave and hibernation period.
As per the notification issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, government educational institutions will remain closed until August 4 and will reopen on August 5.
