Before the PTI protest, Islamabad’s D Chowk was sealed with containers.
ISLAMABAD – Islamabad is being placed under tight security lockdown ahead of planned political protests, with authorities moving to completely seal off the Red Zone and its extended high-security area as tensions rise ahead of a September 27 march by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
All five major roads leading to the red zone will be blocked with two layers of containers, while heavy police forces will take up positions at each entry point. According to sources, the extended red zone will also remain sealed and will be reopened only in case of emergency.
The preparations signal a major boost to the capital’s security posture as authorities brace for possible incursions into the federal capital’s most sensitive areas.
The police had already ordered more than 1,000 containers to seal the red zone, high security zone and important entry and exit routes of Islamabad. Containers are also being placed along major arteries to block the movement of protesters approaching the capital. Security has also been beefed up with the extraordinary mobilization of the Islamabad Capital Police. According to a circular issued by the Inspector General of Police, all regular leaves of police officers and personnel have been suspended till October 5, 2026.
The restrictions came shortly after the Islamabad High Court issued a detailed verdict on the proposed PTI march. The court ruled that political parties, political leaders, provincial governments and public officials have no legal right to occupy or obstruct public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or government buildings. It also directed authorities to secure citizens’ access to roads, workplaces, businesses, hospitals and educational institutions.
Earlier today, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a blunt warning ahead of the planned march, saying the government would block any attempts to march towards Islamabad. Naqvi said that violation of the Islamabad High Court’s directions could lead to contempt of court proceedings and arrangements were made with the provinces to prevent the protesters from entering the federal capital.
The government’s stance comes as the PTI maintains its plan to mobilize supporters for the September 27 protest. The party has described its planned march as peaceful, while government officials have expressed concerns about possible violence and disruption.
With containers deployed, police personnel on high alert and regular holidays suspended, Islamabad is entering a period of tight security restrictions. These measures are expected to affect travelers and residents, especially those traveling to red zones, high security zones and entry and exit points.
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The post Islamabad’s D Chowk was sealed with containers before the PTI protest appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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