Islamabad police disperse protesters after clashes near Red Zone

2026-03-01 - 19:53

Security heightened following reports of Iranian leader’s assassination The Islamabad police on Sunday dispersed protesters after daylong clashes erupted near Serena Chowk, where demonstrators had gathered to condemn the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel attack. The protest, organized by workers and supporters of various religious organizations, began peacefully in the morning but intensified as participants attempted to march toward the Diplomatic Enclave. Authorities said the demonstrators blocked key roads around Serena Chowk and tried to move toward sensitive government areas, prompting law enforcement agencies to intervene. Under the leadership of the Inspector General of Islamabad Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, security across Islamabad’s Red Zone was significantly tightened amid fears of unrest. All routes leading to the high-security area were sealed, while a heavy contingent of police and paramilitary personnel was deployed at D-Chowk and surrounding entry points. Containers were placed on major roads to restrict access, causing traffic disruptions in several parts of the capital. While talking to Pakistan Observer, IGP Islamabad said the police personnel were ready to meet any untoward situation and for the time being all roads had been cleared of protesters. “We are on the roads ready for any situation,” he said. Earlier, as the news of the Iranian Supreme Leader and his close aides’ assassination spread, a large number of men and women took part in the demonstration. Protesters carried banners and portraits of Ayatollah Khamenei and chanted slogans expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the alleged attack. Some reports suggested that a section of the crowd was attempting to move toward the United States Embassy located inside the Diplomatic Enclave, raising concerns among security authorities. Police officials stated that repeated announcements were made asking protesters to remain peaceful and avoid entering restricted zones. However, as tensions escalated and demonstrators continued to push toward barricaded areas, law enforcement personnel used crowd-control measures to disperse them. Witnesses reported scuffles between protesters and police, though no major injuries were immediately confirmed. An Islamabad police spokesperson said that the situation was brought under control after coordinated efforts by police and other law-enforcing agencies. “Our primary objective was to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and public property,” the spokesperson added. The Red Zone, which houses key government buildings, foreign missions and sensitive installations, remained under strict security surveillance throughout the day. Authorities urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to central Islamabad and to cooperate with security personnel. By late evening, traffic in some areas began to gradually resume after the protesters were dispersed. However, security remained on high alert amid concerns about further demonstrations in the coming days. Officials have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding arrests or legal action against those involved in the unrest.