Islamabad Red Zone Sealed Amid Gaza Solidarity March

In anticipation of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Gaza Solidarity March, scheduled for Sunday, authorities in Islamabad have imposed a security lockdown in the Red Zone. According to reports, the area has been secured with containers and barbed wire.

The district administration has enforced a prohibition on unauthorized gatherings within the federal capital, coinciding with JI’s announcement of a pro-Palestine demonstration slated for April 20.

Restrictions and Security Measures

The Red Zone’s entry and exit points have been heavily fortified by security forces using barriers, razor wire, and substantial containers. Patrols and security checks have also been intensified throughout the area.

To ensure public order around this sensitive zone, additional police officers and paramilitary personnel have been deployed.

An official statement from the administration prohibits unlawful assemblies near government buildings, citing security alerts and potential disruptions.

The authorities are appealing to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and are advising people to avoid restricted areas to ensure their safety.

Traders Support JI’s Strike Call for Gaza

Separately, major traders’ organizations in the city have voiced their strong support for the shutter-down strike on April 26, initiated by JI Pakistan Ameer, Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. This action is intended to show solidarity with Gaza and Palestine in light of the ongoing conflict.

This declaration followed a meeting on Friday between JI Karachi Chief Monem Zafar and prominent figures from the traders’ community. Among those present were All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Attique Mir, Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan, and Saddar Cooperative Market Association General Secretary Muhammad Aslam Khan.

The trader representatives assured Monem Zafar of their unwavering support for the people of Gaza and promised their complete assistance to make the strike a success.

The JI leader addressed party members via an online platform, urging them to increase their efforts leading up to April 26 and called for the creation of coordination committees at the district level to foster closer relationships with local traders and markets.