In response to a large-scale protest called by lawyers, Islamabad Police have closed several key entry points to the Red Zone, leading to significant disruptions in the federal capital. As a result of the protest, Metro bus services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi were suspended, creating major inconvenience for daily commuters. Buses have been restricted to the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station, and the route from Kashmir Highway to the Pak Secretariat has been blocked following orders from the district administration.
Key access points to the Red Zone, including Serena Chowk, Express Chowk, and Nadra Chowk, have been sealed off, resulting in heavy traffic congestion. Long lines of vehicles were reported on Margalla Road, with frustrated drivers attempting to find alternative routes to enter the Red Zone. Citizens attempting to visit important government offices, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, found themselves stranded due to the road closures.
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In an advisory issued by Islamabad Traffic Police, it was stated that all internal and external routes to the Red Zone will remain closed on February 10, 2025, starting at 6 AM until further notice. The closures were implemented to maintain law and order during the lawyers’ protest. The advisory also mentioned that alternative routes, including Margalla Road, should be used, and citizens can seek guidance from the traffic helpline or follow Islamabad Traffic Police’s social media platforms for updates.
The protest stems from the legal community’s opposition to recent judicial transfers. Last week, legal organizations in Islamabad criticized these transfers, labeling them as attempts to divide the judiciary. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) is set to meet to consider the elevation of eight high court judges to the Supreme Court, despite calls from some judges and sections of the legal community to delay the appointments.
Four Supreme Court judges have already written to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, who leads the JCP, requesting a postponement of the meeting. With the situation intensifying, further disruptions in the federal capital are expected.
