Islamabad Police Blocks Red Zone With Containers Ahead of Protest

The Islamabad administration, fearing a protest by Utility Stores Corporation (USC) employees in front of Parliament House today, has arranged to block the “Red Zone” with 97 freight shipping containers and has deployed a large contingent of police personnel.

Following nationwide protests by the USC employees, the federal government clarified that there are no plans to shut down the utility stores. USC employees have now scheduled a protest outside Parliament House on Monday.

As a result, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has decided to secure the Red Zone to prevent demonstrators from approaching the parliament building.

According to sources, a detailed security plan has been developed, identifying 13 locations where roads leading to the Red Zone will be blocked using 97 shipping containers.

Of the 97 containers, 92 have been confiscated by the ICT police, with the remaining already in their possession. Containers will be strategically placed at various locations, including:

• 10 at the ISI checkpoint
• 8 at Marriott Hotel
• 26 at Express Chowk
• 2 at the Election Commission
• 8 at Nadra Chowk
• 1 at Fata picket
• 8 at Serena Turn
• 14 at Serena traffic signal on Kashmir Highway
• 4 at Bari Imam T-cross
• 4 at the road near Kohsar Block
• 2 at Serena checkpoint
• 2 at Globe Chowk
• 2 at Diplomatic Enclave gate

USC employees have warned of a larger movement if their concerns are not addressed.