Capital on high alert, Red Zone access restricted ahead of protests

ISLAMABAD:

Authorities in the capital have placed Islamabad on high security alert, closing several routes to the Red Zone on Friday ahead of expected protests by religious and political groups against recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The demonstrations were organised by Jamaat-i-Islami, the Shia Ulema Council, and the Ittehad-e-Ummat Forum.

According to the organisers, the Shia Ulema Council and Ittehad Forum rally began from Imambargah G-6/2 after Friday prayers and proceeded to D-Chowk, where religious and political leaders addressed participants. Jamaat-i-Islami held a demonstration outside Aabpara Market’s Shaheed Mosque, with a second protest organised at D-Chowk.

Nationwide, rallies and gatherings were planned to show solidarity with Iran and condemn the attacks. The protests are also intended to honour those injured or killed in previous demonstrations, with organisers renewing calls for the release of detained protesters.

Over 2,000 police and traffic personnel have been deployed, with anti-riot forces stationed inside the Red Zone, while Section 144 remained in effect across the city.

In a post on X, the capital’s police announced that only Margalla Road and routes near the Marriott Hotel would remain open for entry into the Red Zone. “Apart from these routes, all entrances leading to the Red Zone will remain closed,” the post said.

Authorities advised commuters that Fazal-e-Haq Road towards China Chowk would remain closed and recommended Jinnah Avenue as an alternative route. Traffic on Luqman Hakim Road near Polyclinic and Lal Quarter Chowk was diverted to Saddar Road.

Commuters travelling from G-6 to F-6 were advised to use the China Chowk underpass or take Seventh Avenue to Jinnah Avenue, while traffic from Aabpara Chowk towards Serena Hotel was also rerouted. Vehicles coming from Club Road or Bhara Kahu were instructed to follow the route via Kashmir Chowk, Srinagar Highway, Seventh Avenue, and Margalla Road.

Protests Underway in Karachi

In Karachi, a protest against the United States and Israel over attacks on Iran disrupted traffic on MA Jinnah Road. Demonstrators marched from Khawaja Asna Ashari Mosque to Native Jetty Bridge, chanting anti-Israel slogans and carrying placards.

According to Karachi Traffic Police, MA Jinnah Road from Kharadar Police Station to Tower was closed due to the rally. Traffic from Kharadar Police Station was diverted towards Yaqoobia Mosque.

Additionally, Abu al-Isphani Road from Al-Asif Square to Paradise was closed, with vehicles from Maskan Chowrangi diverted via Paradise to Faria Chowk and traffic from Al-Asif redirected to the service road.

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Earlier, Karachi Police issued a security alert for Friday prayers, deploying plainclothes and uniformed personnel across the city and major roads. Additional IG Azad Khan instructed all police stations to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of worshippers and personally monitor security arrangements until the conclusion of prayers.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also chaired a meeting to review the law and order situation in light of potential post-prayer protests. He directed law enforcement agencies to maintain order under all circumstances and warned that displaying weapons during public gatherings, rallies, or protests would not be tolerated, in line with the 33rd Provincial Apex Committee’s decision.

Earlier this week, protests erupted across Pakistan following the US–Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Clashes nationwide resulted in at least 23 deaths, including 10 outside the US Consulate in Karachi, where demonstrators attempted to breach the compound and clashed with police.