The Metro Bus service in Islamabad has been reinstated after a temporary suspension due to recent protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Following directives from Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the bus services on the Green, Blue, and Red Lines are now operational. Randhawa also ordered the immediate deployment of electric buses on feeder routes to improve city connectivity.
The previous suspension of Metro bus service had caused considerable inconvenience to thousands of daily commuters who relied on the system for transportation. The disruption peaked on October 5, when life in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi faced severe interruptions for the second consecutive day due to ongoing PTI protests, which paralyzed the twin cities. Key highways and mobile services were temporarily halted, exacerbating challenges for residents.
Mobile and internet services were suspended in Islamabad, while Metro bus operations ceased entirely. Authorities placed containers at crucial entry and exit points, including Faizabad, D Chowk, and 26 No Chungi, to manage the influx of protesters. These obstructions led to extensive traffic congestion, making travel exceedingly difficult.
Access to Islamabad was significantly restricted, with containers blocking major roads like the Express Highway and Blue Area, plunging areas such as D Chowk into darkness as streetlights were turned off to control the protests. Faizabad emerged as a focal point for violent clashes, with police engaging in sporadic shelling and all surrounding roads being closed off by containers.
The metro bus services of Islamabad have been fully restored. These services were des
