The federal government decided on Saturday to stop the protest call of a religious party “at all costs,” with Islamabad and Rawalpindi under strict lockdown for the second consecutive day.

A comprehensive security plan involving over 5,500 law enforcement personnel has been implemented to prevent unrest in the capital.

According to the final security plan issued by Islamabad Police, the federal government has mobilized forces from multiple agencies, including Rangers, Frontier Corps (FC), and Punjab Police, to assist the federal police.

The deployment includes 500 Rangers, 600 Punjab Police, and 1,000 FC personnel, all placed under federal control. In addition, more than 3,500 Islamabad Police officers will be stationed across internal and external routes of the capital.

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The plan also includes the presence of 5 SSPs and 6 SPs to supervise operations during the protest. Authorities have vowed to maintain order and ensure that protesters are not allowed to enter sensitive areas of the capital.

Twin cities on lockdown for second day

For the second consecutive day, both Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained partially sealed, with containers and barbed wire blocking over 125 key entry and exit points.

Inter-city transport, including the Metro Bus Service, has been suspended, and several routes leading to hospitals, offices, and residential areas remain blocked. Citizens reported severe hardships in reaching workplaces and healthcare facilities.

Public faces severe difficulties

Residents and commuters expressed frustration over the sudden closures. Many were seen stranded on roads or forced to walk long distances due to halted public transport.

“I came from Gujrat at 1:30 a.m. and found out the road was closed. We’ve been staying in the car, going to hotels for food, and now our money is almost finished,” said one stranded traveler.

Another commuter heading to Kashmir added,

“Even small streets are blocked. Ambulances with patients are stuck on Murree Road. The administration should at least open one side for movement.”

Several citizens criticized the city administration for sealing entire neighborhoods, saying the restrictions had crippled normal life.

Red Zone completely sealed off

Authorities have also shut all gates leading to Islamabad’s Red Zone, blocking routes to Serena Chowk, Nadra Chowk, D-Chowk, and Marriott Hotel with containers.

Security officials said the move aims to prevent protesters from reaching sensitive installations, including government buildings and foreign missions.

All roads of Wazirabad district remained closed

All internal and external routes of Wazirabad district remained closed for the second consecutive day amid the ongoing protest by a religious party.

The district administration has completely sealed the route to Gujrat by digging a trench near the Chenab Toll Plaza, while heavy contingents of security personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward situation.