Islamabad Police have closed several key entry points to the Red Zone in the federal capital in response to a protest called by lawyers. The protest also led to the suspension of Metro bus services on multiple routes between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, causing significant inconvenience for commuters. According to reports, buses operating between Rawalpindi and Islamabad were restricted to the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station. Additionally, the route from Kashmir Highway to the Pak Secretariat was closed following orders from the district administration. 

The entry points to the Red Zone from Serena Chowk, Express Chowk, and Nadra Chowk have been blocked. The closure of the Red Zone has caused significant traffic disruptions, leading to heavy congestion, with long lines of vehicles forming on Margalla Road as drivers attempt to enter the Red Zone. The report also mentions that citizens attempting to visit government offices in the Red Zone, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been stranded due to the road closures.  

In a traffic advisory issued by Islamabad's Traffic Police, it was stated that in the case of law and order issues, the entry and exit routes to the Red Zone will remain closed. The advisory further mentioned that on February 10, 2025, the internal and external routes to the Red Zone will be closed. The Traffic Police confirmed that the entry and exit routes to the Red Zone, including Serena, Nadra, Marriott, Express Chowk, and T-Cross near Bari Imam, will be temporarily closed from 6 AM until further notice. 

The police have requested the public to use alternative routes, such as Margalla Road, to avoid any travel inconvenience. Islamabad Traffic Police has assured that it will assist and guide citizens during this time. The Traffic Police also advised citizens to contact the traffic helpline number 1915 or follow Islamabad Traffic Police's social media platforms for further guidance. The advisory from the federal capital's Traffic Police confirmed that Margalla Road remains the only route for entry into the Red Zone. 

Last week, legal organisations in Islamabad strongly opposed the recent transfers of judges, deeming them an attempt to divide the judiciary and an act of bad faith. Addressing the media, Islamabad Bar Council Chairman Advocate Aleem Abbasi stated that all representatives of the district and high court bar associations were present in the emergency meeting.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)