Capital on high alert, access restricted to the Red Zone before protests

ISLAMABAD:

Authorities in the capital have put 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 and Israeli attacks on Iran. The protests were organized by Jamaat-i-Islami, Shia Ulema Council and Ittehad-e-Ummat Forum.

According to the organizers, the rally by Shia Ulema Council and Ittehad Forum began at Imambangah G-6/2 after Friday prayers and continued to D-Chowk where religious and political leaders addressed the participants. Jamaat-i-Islami held a rally in front of Shaheed Mosque in Aabpara Market and a second protest was organized at D-Chowk.

Nationwide rallies and rallies were planned to show solidarity with Iran and condemn the attacks. The protests also aim to honor those injured or killed in previous demonstrations, and organizers renewed calls for the release of detained protesters.

More than 2,000 police and traffic personnel have been deployed, with riot forces stationed within the Red Zone, while Section 144 remained in force across the city.

In a post on “Other than these routes, all entrances leading to the Red Zone will remain closed,” the post said.

Authorities informed commuters that the 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 the China Chowk underpass or take Seventh Avenue to Jinnah Avenue, while traffic from Aabpara Chowk towards Hotel Serena was also diverted. 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. Protesters marched from the Khawaja Asna Ashari Mosque to the Native Jetty Bridge, chanting anti-Israel slogans and carrying signs.

According to Karachi Traffic Police, MA Jinnah Road from Kharadar Police Station to Tower was closed due to the protest. Traffic from Kharadar police station was diverted towards Yaqoobia mosque.

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

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

Earlier, Karachi police issued a security alert for Friday prayers, deploying uniformed and plainclothes personnel throughout 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 security measures till the conclusion of prayers.

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

Earlier this week, protests broke out across Pakistan following the US-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Clashes across the country led to at least 23 deaths, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi, where protesters tried to break into the premises and clashed with police.