ISLAMABAD (UNS): Rawalpindi and Islamabad are once again turning into “container cities” as authorities begin detaining PTI leaders and seizing shipping containers ahead of the party’s planned September 27 protest.
The crackdown and requisitioning of containers reportedly began on September 7—nearly three weeks before the scheduled demonstration—raising serious concerns among residents and the business community of the twin cities.
Traders have warned that containers carrying food and other essential commodities could remain stranded for several days. Any prolonged detention may spoil perishable goods and cause losses worth millions of rupees to transporters, importers and businesses.
Business representatives have strongly protested the measures, saying that commercial activity and the movement of essential supplies should not be disrupted in the name of preventing a political demonstration.
They questioned whether imposing financial losses on ordinary citizens and businesses was necessary to maintain public order.
The government’s strategy of blocking roads, impounding commercial containers and restricting movement has also sparked fears of traffic chaos, supply disruptions and declining business activity across the twin cities.
The authorities have been urged to reduce political tensions through dialogue and adopt security arrangements that do not paralyse civilian life or inflict avoidable economic losses on the business community.
