Roads blocked, no phone service as protests against Asia Bibi's acquittal continue

LAHORE - Country-wide protests being held by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) against entered the third day on Friday, grinding major cities to the standstill.

The religious party, which is headed by Khadim Hussain Rizvi, took to the streets since the supreme court acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman facing death sentence over blasphemy charges.

Situation in Lahore

Major areas, including Charing Cross at the Mall Road, Data Darbar, Shahdara Chowk, Bhatta Chowk, Askar X, roads connecting to the Lahore airport and others are blocked for traffic.



Protests against the court ruling continued through the night while the mobile phone service is partially suspended in the city.

https://twitter.com/norbalm/status/1058198476075532288

Karachi

Agitators have also refused to budge in Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan, as different roads are also blocked by the protesters.

The areas where protests are continued include Teen Talwar, Star Gate at Sh-e-Faisal, Numaish, Liaquatabad 10, Sohrab Goth, Korangi 5, Bara Board, Baldia 4, Ranchor Line, Shoe Market New Karachi, Hub River Road, Maripur Rd, Orangi Town 5, Power House Nagan Chowrangi, Teen Hatti and MT Khan Rd.

Meanwhile, Sindh Rangers director general has warned of action if the protesters cross the limits.

ISLAMABAD and Rawalpindi 

Rawalpindi-Islamabad Faizabad Interchange, Dhoke Kala Khan, Tramri Chowk and Karal Chowk routes leading to Taxila, Gujar Khan and Pir Sohawa among the different areas closed by the protersts in the twin cities.

Motorways

M1 from Islamabad to Peshawar and M2 from Islamabad to Lahore is closed for traffic.

Mobile Phone Service Suspended

Mobile phone services have been suspended in the federal capital and three cities of Punjab today.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that mobile phone services in "Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Gujranwala would be blocked today 8am till Maghrib".

https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1058082038559989761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F216975-mobile-phone-services-suspended-in-lahore-twin-cities-and-gujranwala

Talks Failed 

An official team comprising PTI minister held talks with the TLP protester but the government could not woo the protester to end the agitation peacefully.

A Twitter hand associated with TLP chief Rizvi claimed that the talks with the government have completely failed.

The statement further added that they will not bow done and there will be launched a completed shutter down strike across the country on Friday.

Educational Institutions To Remain Closed

All education institution will remain closed in Punjab and Sindh as the chaos reigns the country. However, the education activities in Balochistan will continue as per routine. In KP, the private institutes will also remained closed.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/all-educational-institutions-closed-as-life-in-punjab-disrupted-over-asias-acquittal/

State's Pateince Should Not Be Mistaken With Weakness

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday night said that the government would not allow the write of the state to be challenged, adding, "The law and order situation in the country is under control. The state's patience must not be mistaken with weakness."