Containers being placed around Islamabad's Red Zone to prevent protesters advancing. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
The security measure was taken in light of the violent clash in neighbouring Rawalpindi which left nine people dead on Muharram 10.
According to Express News, authorities took this added measure after reports of arrangements being made for a protest led by clerics and seminary students from Lal Masjid, after the funerals of those killed in the Rawalpindi clash.
At least three funerals were held under high security at Liaquat Bagh this evening. Maulana Samiul Haq led funeral prayers, while other clerics in attendance made calls for maintaining peace. Thousands of people attended the funerals.
Empty containers were placed to block key entry points of the Red Zone, which houses Aiwan-e-Sadr, Prime Minister’s House, PM Secretariat and Parliament House, along with the diplomatic enclave.
COMMENTS (9)
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Sealing of red zone is not the solution.It seems to be like saves only the rich or upper class beside this education is also effected by all this drama.
Dear readers,
Im urgently trying to contact someone in islamabad for these few days but the phone number is switched off. Is there currently no cellular/mobile service active in Islamabad?
Lal Masjid is a state property. State should take its control back and remove extremists from it else they will always pose a security threat.
Good job. Protect the rich and powerful. Rest of us can fend for oursleves.
??PM house.....well seems the utterly useless PM is never in the country anyway! What a shame, the man with a plan is running around the globe whilst his house burns!
When is it expected to be lifted?
Does this mean embassies will stay closed on Monday?
Easiest way to avoid any investigation & save the culprits.. Make a commission... We are witness of uncounted commissions in the past as well
A PRUDENT first step should be followed up by the second step as well by moving the entire RED ZONE residents out of Islamabad, back to Karachi, where it originaly came from or some other safer area away from the major cities near a sea port perhaps or some shangrila in a lonely place in the mountains or in the middle of a desert or inbetween. It was the Karachiwallas which prompted the first military takeover of the country, whose overlords at the time moved the capital and the entire entourage of foreign Embassys in the peacedful suburbs of the military headquarters. The situation has since evolved and being nearer to the military has proven to be more dangerous than being in the midst of karachiwalas..
Rex Minor