ISLAMABAD, Apr 20 The federal capital Islamabad has been put on
high alert on Sunday as Jamaat-e-Islami prepares to stage a ‘Palestine
Solidarity March’ in support of Palestinians.
Security measures have been ramped up, with roads leading to the Red
Zone sealed and the city bracing for potential unrest.
According to reports, major entry and exit routes leading to the Red
Zone, including D Chowk and Serena Chowk, have been blocked off with
containers and barbed wire. Authorities have also installed barriers at
key junctions to prevent access.
In addition to these precautions, extraordinary security arrangements
have been put in place along the Srinagar Highway, with citizens advised
to use the service road for smoother travel. The Islamabad Police
Traffic Advisory also issued a warning about heavy traffic disruptions
during the movement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket teams between
9:30 AM and 11:30 AM today.
During this period, traffic entry on Srinagar Highway will be
restricted. For those looking to navigate the city, the Islamabad Police
has suggested using the H8 underpass to access Blue Area, Sector F6, F7,
and the service road from Rawalpindi Peshawar Road and IJP Road to reach
sectors I and H.
Despite these heightened security measures, Jamaat-e-Islami leader
Liaquat Baloch has assured that the planned solidarity march will be
peaceful.
In light of the protest, the federal government has adopted a stringent
stance. Sources indicate that the authorities are prepared to take swift
action against anyone participating in unlawful gatherings or protests.
All unauthorised demonstrations are strictly prohibited in the capital,
and Islamabad Police has vowed to enforce the “Peaceful Assembly” and
“Public Order Act” to ensure order is maintained.
Meanwhile, Islamabad’s federal officials, including Interior Minister
Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, engaged
in discussions with Jamaat-e-Islami’s Liaquat Baloch to address the
planned protest. During these talks, Baloch reiterated his position,
emphasizing the peaceful nature of the march and urging the government
not to create unnecessary obstacles