ISLAMABAD: Security has been placed on high alert in Islamabad’s Red Zone ahead of the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with authorities implementing strict security measures across the federal capital.
According to an official notification, employees of several ministries and government departments located in the Red Zone have been directed to work from home. However, offices of the Cabinet Division, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will remain open and continue normal operations.
The notification stated that the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Industries and Production, and Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives will also remain operational.
In addition, the offices of the National Assembly, Senate, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, and Revenue Division will continue working as usual.
The government said autonomous bodies and attached departments located in the Red Zone would remain closed. Staff working remotely have been instructed to remain available and be prepared to report to their offices on short notice if required.
Meanwhile, the Federal Constitutional Court cancelled its scheduled cause list due to road closures and security restrictions in the Red Zone. The Registrar’s Office issued a notification stating that court proceedings could be affected by the prevailing security situation and traffic disruptions, making access difficult for lawyers and litigants.
The Registrar’s Office said new hearing dates would be announced later for administrative reasons.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has also postponed hearings scheduled for today due to road closures, while several cases have been delisted. The commission said a petition regarding the suspension of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election would not be heard today.
Separately, Islamabad SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza visited various duty points in the Red Zone along with senior officers. He met police personnel deployed on security duties, reviewed security arrangements, and directed officers to remain alert and perform their responsibilities with diligence.
The Islamabad Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory for residents and commuters due to the arrival of foreign delegations.
According to the advisory, the entry of all heavy vehicles into Islamabad from any route will remain prohibited from midnight between Monday and Tuesday until further orders.
All entry points to the Red Zone, except those near Marriott and Margalla Road, will remain closed to all types of traffic. Diversions will be in place on the Expressway from Koral to Faizabad, Murree Road, and Club Road, while Srinagar Highway will remain closed from Zero Point to Dhokri Chowk.
Authorities have advised residents to use alternative routes during the restrictions. Traffic travelling between Faisal Avenue and Zero Point will be diverted to 9th Avenue. Commuters heading towards Koral can use Srinagar Highway, 9th Avenue, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, and Rawal Road as alternative routes.
ALSO READ >>> >>> Pakistan to fully digitize private Hajj booking system
Motorists travelling between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi have been advised to use Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road. Citizens travelling between Rawalpindi Saddar and Islamabad can use Colonel Sher Khan Road, Fakhr-e-Alam Road, or 9th Avenue.
Heavy traffic travelling from Peshawar to Lahore via GT Road has been directed to use the motorway through Taxila, Chakri Interchange, Chak Beli Road, and Rawat. Vehicles travelling from Lahore towards Peshawar have been advised to follow the same alternative route in reverse.
