Authorities have sealed Islamabad’s Red Zone and blocked key routes ahead of a major protest announced by opposition parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Security has been tightened around sensitive government buildings, particularly the Parliament House Islamabad, where the main gates have been closed and a heavy police presence deployed both inside and outside the premises. Prisoner vans and armored vehicles have also been stationed to handle any potential unrest.

Police have completely blocked Shahrah-e-Dastoor at Radio Pakistan Chowk, preventing entry into the Red Zone. Officials said the measures were taken to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of government institutions.

Several lawmakers were stopped while attempting to reach Parliament. PTI Members of the National Assembly, including Iqbal Afridi and Umair Niazi, were denied access at Radio Pakistan Chowk. Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Fatahullah Khan reportedly had a heated exchange with police after being stopped. He alleged that police personnel slapped his security guard during the confrontation.

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Authorities have not issued an official statement on the allegations but confirmed that security arrangements were part of standard procedures during high-risk political protests.

The protest announcement by opposition parties has raised political tensions in the capital, with security forces remaining on high alert. Officials said the restrictions may remain in place until the situation stabilizes and any protest activities conclude peacefully.