Lahore: Police sealed off Liberty Chowk and surrounding areas in Lahore on Friday, deploying a heavy security presence amid a potential security threat during the visit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Later in the day, Sohail Afridi departed from Liberty Chowk, leaving the party workers waiting and allowing police to gradually ease security measures. Police authorities said traffic flow would be restored in phases as conditions returned to normal.
Authorities said they deployed police in response to security concerns and maintained a strong forces presence throughout the area.
Road closures disrupt major routes
Meanwhile, police closed several roads in Gulberg, including key access routes leading to Liberty Chowk. As a result, severe traffic congestion developed on major arteries such as M.M. Alam Road, Mini Market, Main Market, and Jail Road, causing delays for commuters and businesses.
Law and order concerns in KP
Several reports of terror incidents, displacement and ongoing security operations have drawn public attention. In response, civil society voices have urged the provincial leadership to focus on restoring peace and addressing core issues such as employment, education and healthcare, rather than prioritising street-level political initiatives.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is on a three-day visit to Punjab, where he will hold meetings with provincial leadership, jailed PTI leaders and workers.
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