The capital on alert and access to the red zone restricted before the demonstrations

ISLAMABAD:

Authorities in the capital placed Islamabad on high security alert, closing several roads to the red zone on Friday in anticipation of expected protests by religious and political groups against recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The protests were organized by Jamaat-i-Islami, the Shiite Ulema Council and the Ittehad-e-Ummat Forum.

According to the organizers, the gathering of Shia Ulema Council and Ittehad Forum started from Imambargah G-6/2 after Friday prayers and continued towards D-Chowk, where religious and political leaders addressed the participants. Jamaat-i-Islami staged a protest in front of Shaheed Mosque in Aabpara Market, with a second protest held at D-Chowk.

Across the country, 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, with organizers repeating calls for the release of detained protesters.

More than 2,000 police and traffic officers were deployed, with anti-riot forces stationed inside the red zone, while Section 144 remained in force across the city.

In a post on “Apart from these routes, all entrances leading to the red zone will remain closed,” the message specifies.

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 have been advised to use the China Chowk underpass or take Seventh Avenue to Jinnah Avenue, while traffic from Aabpara Chowk towards Serena Hotel has also been diverted. Vehicles coming from Club Road or Bhara Kahu have been directed to follow the route via Kashmir Chowk, Srinagar Highway, Seventh Avenue and Margalla Road.

Ongoing protests in Karachi

In Karachi, a protest against the United States and Israel following 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 holding signs.

According to Karachi Traffic Police, MA Jinnah Road from Kradar Police Station to Tower was closed due to the gathering. Traffic from Kharadar police station was diverted to Yaqoobia Mosque.

Additionally, 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 redirected to the service road.

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Earlier, Karachi police had issued a security alert for Friday prayers, deploying personnel in plain clothes and uniforms across the city and on main roads. Additional IG Azad Khan directed all police stations to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of devotees and personally monitor the security arrangements till the end of prayers.

Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also chaired a meeting to review the law and order situation in light of possible protests after prayers. He ordered law enforcement agencies to maintain order under all circumstances and warned that the display of weapons during public gatherings, rallies or demonstrations would not be tolerated, in line with the decision of the 33rd Supreme Provincial Committee.

Earlier this week, protests erupted across Pakistan following the US-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Nationwide clashes left at least 23 people dead, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi, where protesters tried to enter the compound and clashed with police.