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.
Similar TLP marches in the past have turned violent, forcing successive governments to negotiate with the group rather than confront it outright.
Another driver, Mubashir Khan, said his truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas from Kohat to Rawat had been parked on the roadside for two days.
“There is no safety here,” he said. “People are smoking cigarettes nearby. Anything can happen.”
Many transporters have been left without basic facilities, relying on nearby shopkeepers and locals for food and water.
“After two days, the vegetables get spoiled,” said Naveed Khan, another driver hauling produce from Gilgit to Lahore.
“This is my third day here. Everything has perished. We don’t get paid in such situations.”
Police have said the road closures are temporary and necessary to maintain order. However, most drivers remain in a state of uncertainty.
The government said a day earlier it would not allow chaos or mob politics, though TLP supporters have continued their march toward the capital in defiance of a crackdown that has led to the arrest of many of its supporters.
