Islamabad braces for TLP protest; Pindi admin imposes Section 144

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration has decided to completely seal the Red Zone ahead of a protest announced by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on October 10.

According to sources, the Islamabad administration has put in place elaborate measures to handle the protest, with containers placed at all major entry and exit points of the federal capital.

Security officials said that the Red Zone will remain fully sealed, while only authorised personnel will be allowed to use Margalla Road.

Containers have also been placed in areas including Faizabad, Double Road, Tarnol, and Golra Mor to block access routes.

Sources said that Islamabad police have begun a crackdown on TLP workers, with several activists arrested and shifted to local police stations and the CIA centre.

Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the district administration has imposed Section 144 till October 17 due to security concerns and the risk of unrest.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr Hasan Waqar Cheema issued a notification banning all gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, and processions across the district.

The notification also prohibits the assembly of five or more people, the carrying of weapons, sticks, slings, ball bearings, and explosives, as well as inflammatory speeches and public display of arms.

Motorcycle pillion riding and the use of loudspeakers have also been banned, while any attempt to remove police barricades will be treated as a criminal offence.

The district administration stated that maintaining law and order remains its top priority and warned that any violation of the order would lead to strict legal action.

Violence broke out in Lahore on Wednesday night after police raided the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) headquarters to arrest its chief, Saad Rizvi.

At least three police constables were injured in clashes with TLP activists, who attacked law enforcers with stones and iron rods. Police responded with tear gas shelling, turning Multan Road into a battleground.

Videos circulating on social media showed TLP activists running as police fired tear gas, while other clips showed them holding up spent bullet casings and tear gas shells.

The crackdown on the TLP’s central office came after the group announced plans for a massive anti-Israel demonstration outside the US embassy in Islamabad on Friday.