ISLAMABAD – Islamabad administration has completely sealed off the Red Zone, as security has been put on high alert ahead of a planned protest march against US-Israel aggression on Iran.
The federal capital has been placed on high alert to prevent protesters from entering sensitive areas. Shipping containers have been used to block all major entry points to the Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and the Diplomatic Enclave. Shipping containers have been placed at Fazl-e-Haq Road near the G-6/2 Imambargah to halt the marchers from moving towards the D-Chowk. Only Margalla Road and the route via the Marriott Hotel remain open for restricted entry into the Red Zone. A ban on public gatherings and assemblies is already in effect across the capital.
The protest demonstration is scheduled to commence after Friday prayers from G-6/2. The march will begin from the Markazi Asna Ashri Masjid (G-6/2 Imambargah) and proceed toward D-Chowk. Protesters are demonstrating against the recent escalation in the Middle East, specifically citing “US-Israel aggression” following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has urged citizens to avoid traveling toward the Red Zone and G-6 areas. Commuters from Bhara Kahu and Club Road are advised to use Srinagar Highway and 7th Avenue.
Meanwhile, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday emphasised the need to respect the sanctity of diplomatic premises and urged restraint from both protesters and law enforcement authorities, saying such facilities were protected under international law.
Speaking in the Senate while responding to remarks by the opposition leader, Tarar said embassy buildings and diplomatic missions were considered the territory of the respective country under international law and must therefore be treated with utmost respect.
He noted that the issue required careful handling and called for restraint from all sides.
Diplomatic premises are treated as the territory of the respective state, which is why the country’s flag is flown over them,” he said, adding that both demonstrators and authorities should remain mindful of the sensitivities involved.
The minister said the government had consistently pursued a policy of de-escalation in the region and had taken swift diplomatic steps following the recent developments.
He told the Senate that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi within two hours of the incident to discuss the situation and prevent the dispute from spreading further.
The law minister said the government was closely monitoring the evolving regional situation and working to maintain stability.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was holding multiple meetings daily to review developments relating to Afghanistan, Iran and the Gulf region.
According to the minister, a crisis cell had also been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan) to monitor developments and coordinate the government’s response.
Calling for political unity, Tarar said the country was passing through a sensitive period and urged political parties to present a united stance on matters relating to Pakistan’s sovereignty and regional stability.
