Islamabad sealed; police use tear gas as protesters march toward US Embassy

Large protests broke out across parts of Pakistan following reports that Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, had been killed in US and Israeli air strikes, triggering heightened security measures in the federal capital.

In Islamabad, demonstrators gathered at Aabpara Chowk and began marching toward the Embassy of the United States, Islamabad, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday. 

According to the channel report, Islamabad police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated. 

Authorities subsequently sealed off the Red Zone, the high-security area housing key government buildings and diplomatic missions.

On the other hand, the district administration of Islamabad imposed Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings and rallies in the federal capital. 

According to a report aired by 24NewsHD on Sunday, officials warned that strict action would be taken against violators. 

The administration declared that any kind of public meeting or procession would be considered illegal and urged citizens to avoid assembling at sensitive locations.

The district administration further stated that any protest call or rally would be dealt with firmly, underscoring the government’s intent to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

Earlier, on February 27, 2026, authorities had already imposed a complete ban on flying drones, phantoms and camcopters in the federal capital. 

The District Magistrate issued a notification under Section 144 declaring that the use of any unmanned aerial vehicle without prior permission was strictly prohibited in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 

Only law enforcement agencies and the Islamabad Capital Territory administration were exempted from the restriction, while individuals and private entities were barred from operating such devices without official authorisation.

Reporter: Tayyab Saif