RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) has advised UN personnel against unnecessary travel through Faizabad Interchange, Islamabad due to continued sit-in protest by religious groups.

Through a security advisory issued here Sunday, the UNDSS informed that the US personnel that Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasul Allah and Sunni Tehreek supporters have continued blocking of Faizabad Interchange.

“UN personnel [are] advised to avoid proximity of Faizabad Interchange and mass gatherings. All to follow UNDSS advisories issues from time to time”, the message further read.

It stated that intentions to block Airport Road and Motorway if demands are not met by Sunday were announced to the media by their Spokesman. Authorities continue negotiation. Protesters exchanged harsh words with travellers who tried to cross the barricades placed in areas of Faizabad Interchange, it added.

It further stated that the road blocks continue affecting normal transit while communication system was also disrupted after the administration suspended mobile phone and internet services in a radius of one Km around the Faizabad Interchange. The traffic diversion placed by Islamabad Police remains, it added.

The Alternate Work Modalities for Rawalpindi-based personnel under UNSMS will be lifted from 13 Nov 2017 and those commuting between Rawalpindi-Islamabad- Rawalpindi are to use Peshawar Road, IJP Principal Road, Murree Road, Double Road, 9th Avenue, Faqeer Aapi Road and Kashmir Highway, it further advised the UN personnel.

It is further suggested to Rawalpindi-based personnel coming under UNSMS to leave their homes early tomorrow morning around 0630, as this will help in avoiding the morning peak rush hours, it added.