Islamabad residents are growing weary of continuous demonstrations demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protests, often culminating in violent clashes with security forces, have disrupted the lives of the city’s 2.4 million inhabitants, turning the peaceful capital into a zone of chaos.
For days, Islamabad’s streets were filled with protesters, police, and barricades. Authorities deployed over 700 shipping containers to block main routes, effectively transforming the city into a fortress. Schools were closed, businesses shuttered, and internet services suspended, leaving residents feeling isolated and anxious.
Saira Bano, a schoolteacher, expressed frustration over the disruption. “This isn’t the Islamabad I know. For three days, I had to cancel my classes because of the blockades. The constant barricades make us feel like prisoners in our own city,” she lamented.
The most recent protest ended in a dramatic retreat by party leaders, including Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who had initially vowed to stay until her husband’s release. The authorities cleared D-Chowk, the planned endpoint of the march, by Wednesday morning, arresting nearly a thousand protesters who had defied bans on public gatherings.
For months, political tensions have simmered, with Khan’s supporters alleging that his detention is politically motivated. However, Islamabad residents are increasingly frustrated by the frequent protests that have become a new norm.
Shopkeepers near D-Chowk, one of the protest hubs, complained about the financial impact. “The economy is already struggling. Shutting down businesses for days makes it worse,” said a local businessman who sells computer supplies.
Commuters have also been severely affected. Roads connecting Islamabad to other cities were blocked by shipping containers, making travel nearly impossible. Asghar Ali, a traveler heading to the airport, described a five-hour ordeal involving multiple car changes and walking. “The authorities need to manage protests differently. This level of disruption is unsustainable,” he said.
Some supporters of the jailed politician have criticized the lack of organization in the protests, particularly as party leaders seem unable to achieve their goals. Disillusionment is growing among activists who face harsh crackdowns yet see little progress.
The unrest has also raised concerns about Islamabad’s changing character. Once considered one of Pakistan’s most peaceful cities, the capital now experiences near-monthly turmoil, leaving residents and businesses in a state of perpetual unease.
Many fear the situation will remain unresolved until a political breakthrough occurs. For now, Islamabad remains on edge, its residents longing for a return to peace and normalcy.
