Security in Islamabad was increased on Sunday as authorities sealed all roads leading to the red zone in front of a planned “Gaza Solidarity March” by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).

JI had previously announced a march against the US embassy in the capital to protest on Washington’s support for Israeli’s military actions in Gaza.

The march, which was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. At 15:00, the authorities got to deploy heavy police presence and block three main input points to the red zone using containers, barbed wire and concrete barriers.

JI General Secretary Amirul Azeem confirmed the protest in a video message and called on citizens of all walks of life to participate.

He emphasized the peaceful character of the demonstration and referred to the party’s recent events in Karachi and Lahore.

Previously, Jamaat-e-Islami announced a nationwide shutter-down strike on April 22 to express solidarity with the population of Gaza in the midst of Israel’s ongoing offensive.

The message was made by JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman while approaching a large collection under “Palestine March” held in Karachi on Sunday.

Pakistan has consistently condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza and has called for an immediate ceasefire, resumption of humanitarian assistance and the establishment of a Palestinian state.