Islamabad tightens security, announces traffic plan for Youm-e-Quds rallies

ISLAMABAD:

The central Youm-ul-Quds rally commenced following Friday prayers, with more than 3,500 officers and personnel of Islamabad Police being deployed across the city to provide security, while a traffic advisory has been issued.

The rally witnessed participation from the Shia Ulema Council, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Imamia Students, Tehreek Bedari-e-Ummat, Jafaria Students, and other leaders. A large number of people also joined the rally, demonstrating significant public turnout.

The rally will proceed from Imam Bargah Asna Ashri, Sector G-6/2, to China Chowk.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq, strict security measures have been put in place around all mosques and imambargahs, including Faisal Mosque.

Special security arrangements have also been made for Youm-e-Quds processions throughout the capital.

"Checking at all entry and exit points of the city has been further tightened, and special checkpoints have been established," the DIG said.

Police patrols are continuing across the city to ensure security.

DIG Islamabad said the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the police’s top priority. Authorities in Islamabad have issued a detailed traffic diversion plan as part of security arrangements for Friday prayers and Youm-e-Quds processions across the city. 

IG Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, also reviewed the security arrangements, directing all deployed officers and personnel to perform their duties with vigilance. He confirmed that over 3,500 officers have been deployed across the city, with strict security measures in place around all mosques and imambargahs, including Faisal Mosque.

Checking is ongoing at entry and exit points, special checkpoints have been established at multiple locations, and alert patrol contingents are continuing operations across the capital. "Ensuring the protection of citizens' lives and property is the top priority of Islamabad Police," Rizvi said.

Several roads in the capital, including routes leading to the Red Zone, have been closed over fears of protests following Friday prayers. According to the traffic police, Margalla Road will remain the only route open for entry into the Red Zone.

Container barriers have been placed on roads leading to the high-security area, while shops in G-7 and Blue Area have been ordered to close. The metro bus service across the city has also been suspended. Strict checks are being conducted at all entry points to the city, with every vehicle and motorbike being searched.

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Residents travelling to E-11 and D-12 have been advised to use service roads, while motorists coming to Islamabad via GT Road should enter the city through Tarnol (26 Number) and use the Srinagar Highway.

Those heading to Sabzi Mandi through IJP Road have been advised to use Ninth Avenue, while commuters travelling from Tramri towards Islamabad should use Lehtrar Road or the Islamabad Expressway.

Several traffic diversions will also be in place at key intersections and roads, including G-9 Labour Chowk, Ibn-e-Sina Road, Tayyab Erdogan Bridge, Peshawar Mor, and Jinnah Avenue, where traffic will be redirected towards alternative routes such as Ninth Avenue, Margalla Road, Nazimuddin Road, Faisal Avenue and Seventh Avenue.

Traffic approaching Aabpara Chowk from Srinagar Highway and Suhrawardy Road will also be diverted, with commuters advised to use Seventh Avenue and other alternate routes.

All roads leading to Aabpara have been closed, while offices along Suharwardy Road have been ordered to shut.

Heavy police deployment has also been carried out around Zero Point.

Motorists travelling from Lal Masjid towards Aabpara have been directed to use Shaheed-e-Millat Road, while those near Chand Tara Underpass on Srinagar Highway will be redirected towards Faisal Avenue, Faizabad, Murree Road, and Garden Avenue.

Islamabad Traffic Police have advised citizens to stay updated on the latest traffic situation by tuning in to FM 92.4.