The federal government has vowed to stop a religious party’s protest march “at all costs” as Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain under lockdown. Over 5,500 law enforcement personnel have been deployed across the twin cities to prevent unrest. This includes forces from Rangers, Frontier Corps, Punjab Police, and Islamabad Police working together under federal command. The security plan involves tight supervision by senior officers to maintain order.
Authorities have sealed over 125 key entry and exit points using containers and barbed wire to block access to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Inter-city transport, including the Metro Bus Service, has been suspended, and several roads to hospitals and offices remain closed. These measures are aimed at stopping protesters from entering sensitive government and diplomatic areas, including Islamabad’s Red Zone.
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Residents and commuters have faced severe difficulties due to road closures and halted public transportation. Many people were stranded on roads or forced to walk long distances. Some complained about ambulances stuck in traffic and entire neighborhoods being sealed off, which disrupted daily life and access to emergency services.
The government has completely sealed the Red Zone, blocking all gates leading to important locations like Serena Chowk, Nadra Chowk, D-Chowk, and the Marriott Hotel. Security officials say this is to protect government buildings and foreign missions from potential protest-related disruptions.
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Meanwhile, in Wazirabad district, authorities have sealed all internal and external routes for the second day amid the protests. A trench near Chenab Toll Plaza blocks access to Gujrat, and heavy security forces remain deployed to prevent any unrest. The government continues to take strict measures to maintain law and order during the ongoing protest situation.