ISLAMABAD: Transporters in Pakistan are counting mounting losses after law enforcement authorities blocked major roads and highways on the outskirts of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to stop a religio-political party’s march toward the capital, leaving dozens of trucks stranded for days with perishable goods on board.
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), known for its street mobilization and frequent clashes with police, announced plans to march on Islamabad this week to stage a protest outside the United States embassy to express solidarity with Palestinians.
The call prompted police to raid the party’s headquarters in Lahore, triggering clashes that killed at least two people.
“I loaded potatoes from Skardu and was on my way to Lahore,” said Akhter Ali, a truck driver stranded on a highway near Islamabad, speaking to Arab News on Saturday. “Today is the fourth day I am standing here. Traders are putting pressure on us because goods worth millions are getting spoiled.”
Police have blocked several main arteries with shipping containers to prevent protesters from entering the capital.
