Sealing of Islamabad’s Red Zone Underway, Containers Welded Together with Iron Rods and Strips to Fortify Capital Security
ISLAMABAD: A crisis mode process of sealing off Islamabad’s Red Zone to thwart any likely protest marches and sit-ins is underway.
Heavy shipping containers are being used to block off access in the federal capital, including at key intersections like Serena Chowk. Of particular note is that the containers are being welded together using iron rods and metal strips to provide the maximum structural stability.
Reinforced Security Walls and Preventative Roadblocks.
The main reason for the welding of the containers, according to official sources, is that it would make it very difficult for the protesters to move or displace the containers. In addition, an additional layer of containers has been placed behind primary containers that are set up around the Red Zone perimeter.
Major welding is currently taking place at Serena Chowk to join the containers together to create a continuous wall to fortify security measures ahead of future protest rallies. Potential long marches and sit-ins have been announced and security at all federal entry and exit points has been heightened.