The Red Zone in Islamabad will remain closed during the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Women's Ministerial Conference as authorities implement extensive security measures for the high-level international event.
According to sources, entry into the Red Zone will be permitted only through Margalla Road. The restrictions have been introduced to ensure the safe movement of delegates and maintain security throughout the conference.
More than 500 officers and personnel from Islamabad Police have been deployed for the event. They will be supported by the Frontier Corps, Punjab Police and Pakistan Rangers as part of a coordinated security operation.
Sources said separate entry arrangements have been made for VVIP and VIP delegates attending the conference. Snipers will also be positioned on key buildings surrounding the Jinnah Convention Centre, while special security checkpoints will be established around the venue to strengthen surveillance and access control.
The OIC Ministerial Conference on Women began in Islamabad on Sunday with technical sessions, while the main ministerial meeting will be held on Monday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the conference's opening ceremony on Monday. Tarar said delegates from all 57 OIC member states were participating in the conference. He also confirmed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would attend the inaugural session.
Tarar described Pakistan's hosting of the OIC Women's Ministerial Conference as a matter of national honour. He said the conference would promote women's rights and provide an opportunity to review the role and progress of women across OIC member countries.
The federal minister also confirmed that an 'Islamabad Declaration' would be issued at the conclusion of the conference, outlining the outcomes and agreed commitments of the participating member states.