Red Zone sealed as TLP stages solidarity March for Palestine

ISLAMABAD: The capital city’s Red Zone has been placed under lockdown as the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) assembles a significant gathering in Islamabad for its ‘Storm Al-Aqsa Million March’ spanning from Faizabad to Constitution Avenue.

This march, organized by the TLP, was announced last month and has drawn participants from various regions who have congregated to express their solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Under the Faizabad bridge, a considerable number of TLP workers have gathered on the Express Highway, all geared up for the ‘Storm Al-Aqsa Million March.’ Many of the participants in cars and buses proudly waved Palestinian flags, demonstrating their unwavering support.

The demonstrators are demanding that leaders of the Islamic states do more by action rather than just words to help Palestinians in Gaza.

US consulate issues alert ahead of pro-Palestine rally

In anticipation of the Palestine solidarity rally, the local administration and law enforcement have implemented stringent measures by sealing off the Red Zone in Islamabad, which houses the parliament, the US embassy and other sensitive buildings.

 Diversions have been put in place at various locations within the federal capital. Traffic police have reported that all routes leading to the Red Zone are blocked with strategically placed containers, and access from Ayub Chowk, Express Chowk, and Nadra Chowk has been restricted.

Alternative routes include Margalla Road, Serena Chowk, and Third Road Bari Imam for entering or exiting the Red Zone. Jinnah Avenue, from China Chowk to Express Chowk, has a traffic diversion in place, with AK Fazalul Haq Road in the Blue Area being a recommended alternative.

Nazimuddin Road has been closed for traffic from China Chowk to the Atatürk Avenue Junction, and motorists are advised to use F-6 Aga Khan Road. Additionally, Ataturk Avenue is inaccessible from the Nazimuddin Road Junction to Geo Chowk, with G-6 Shaheed Mullat Road suggested as an alternative route.

Traffic congestion is expected as the rally progresses toward its main venue. To maintain security, a deployment of 3,000 police personnel surrounds the Red Zone, further bolstered by the presence of anti-riot and FC (Frontier Constabulary) personnel on routes leading to the high-security zone. The event, organized in support of Palestine, underscores the significance of the demonstration, which has necessitated extensive security measures in the capital.