Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metro Bus services and cellular services have remained suspended in twin cities amid placement of containers all over the important thoroughfares over Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan TLP anti-France protest, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

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The TV channel reported that TLP marchers’ reached Faizabad Interchange and spent their Sunday night under the open sky amid harsh weather conditions. The cleanliness situation enroute the TLP site visibly deteriorated.

TLP marchers are demanding the expulsion of French Ambassador to Pakistan from the country over the replications of blasphemous cartoons of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) in French magazines. 

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman condemned the shelling and torture on the workers of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). He termed the shelling on helpless workers of TLP “unfortunate”. “TLP were recording their protest in a peaceful manner.” Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman said.

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The TV channel reported, due to TLP protest, a large number of government officials did not reach o offices today.

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Commuters faced lengthy delays on alternative routes into the city. Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Rawalpindi administration suspended the Metro bus service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 

Cellular services have already been suspended in twin cities while police have placed containers on main roads to stem the further advancement of TLP workers from Faizabad Interchange.

AFP adds: Pakistani authorities sealed off a major road into the capital Islamabad for a second day Monday as a far-right religious party held fresh anti-France protests. 

A rally in the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi which attracted up to 5,000 people spilled over into Monday, with around a thousand protesters gathered at the roadblock preventing them from entering the capital.

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Mobile phone services were restored around lunchtime on Monday, after being suspended for more than 24 hours to prevent rally organisers from coordinating with each other.

In 2017, the country was paralysed by TLP rallies following the acquittal of Christian woman Asia Bibi, who had been accused of disrespecting the Prophet Mohammed.

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