Authorities in the federal capital, Islamabad, have temporarily shut down key entry and exit points within the Red Zone, citing security concerns, officials confirmed on Saturday. The closures affect areas such as Express Chowk and the routes near Serena Hotel, which will remain inaccessible until further notice. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes including Nadra, Marriott, and Margalla roads. For those traveling towards the Red Zone from Club Road, Seventh Avenue is now the recommended route.
Islamabad Traffic Police issued an advisory for motorists to stay informed through their helpline at 1915 or follow updates on their social media channels. These measures are part of heightened security protocols due to increased concerns over safety in the region.
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In another development, security forces successfully foiled a second terrorist attack within a week on a border checkpoint between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Punjab police, around 15 to 20 heavily armed militants launched a pre-dawn assault on the Lakhani checkpoint using rocket launchers and other heavy weapons. However, alert personnel, using thermal imaging technology, detected the assailants and responded with machine gun and mortar fire, forcing the terrorists to retreat.
The Punjab police spokesperson reported unconfirmed militant casualties, while praising the swift and coordinated response led by Regional Police Officer Dera Ghazi Khan, Captain (Retd) Sajjad Hassan Khan. Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar commended the forces for their vigilance, as this marked the 19th successful defense of border posts in recent months.
