The capital is on high alert, access to the red zone restricted ahead of protests

ISLAMABAD:

Authorities in the capital have put Islamabad on high security alert and closed several routes to the red zone on Friday ahead of expected protests by religious and political groups against recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The demonstrations were organized by Jamaat-i-Islami, Shia Ulema Council and Ittehad-e-Ummat Forum.

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

Nationally, rallies and gatherings were planned to show solidarity with Iran and condemn the attacks. The protests are also meant to honor those injured or killed in previous demonstrations, with organizers 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 force across the city.

In a post on X, the Metropolitan Police announced that only Margalla Road and routes near the Marriott Hotel would remain open for access to the red zone. “Apart from these routes, all entrances leading to the red zone will remain closed,” the post said.

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

Protests underway in Karachi

In Karachi, a protest against the US and Israel over attacks on Iran disrupted traffic on MA Jinnah Road. Protesters marched from the Khawaja Asna Ashari Mosque to the 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.

In addition, 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 diverted to the service road.

Read more: US orders departure of non-emergency personnel from consulates in Pakistan

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 directed all police stations to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of worshipers and personally monitor the security arrangements till the conclusion of prayers.

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

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 protesters tried to break into the compound and clashed with police.