The government decided on Friday to seal all five routes leading to the Islamabad’s Red Zone ahead of a possible long march and protests by opposition and other groups.
The extended Red Zone will also be sealed, with the routes to be opened only in emergencies. Two layers of containers will be placed on each of the five routes, while a heavy police presence will be deployed to prevent protesters from reaching the Red Zone.
The security arrangements in Islamabad have been stepped up ahead of the possible protests by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
A high-level meeting was held in Islamabad, attended by the senior officials, including the inspectors general of police from all four provinces. The meeting decided that the long march would be stopped.
The containers have already been placed around the Red Zone, while more have been brought to the city’s entry points. It is pertinent to note that Islamabad police personnel have had all leave cancelled from Friday until October 10. No leave will be granted during this period.