Islamabad/Lahore, October 10, 2025: Roads across Islamabad have been blocked and mobile internet services suspended as authorities brace for a protest by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in the federal capital today.
The hardline religious party has announced plans for a large-scale anti-Israel demonstration — dubbed the “Labbaik Al-Aqsa Million March” — outside the US Embassy in Islamabad. In anticipation, the city administration began placing shipping containers at key entry points and intersections, including Faizabad Interchange, the site of several past TLP sit-ins.
According to the party’s letter to the Islamabad deputy commissioner, TLP’s central, provincial, and zonal leadership, along with workers and members of the public from across the country, will gather at Faizabad at 2pm before marching towards the US Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave. The party has also requested security arrangements to ensure a “peaceful rally.”
Without naming the TLP, the US Embassy in Islamabad issued a security advisory on social media platform X, cautioning American citizens about planned protests across Pakistan on October 10.
“These protests may cause traffic delays or detours due to road closures in the vicinity of demonstrations,” the statement said. “We advise US citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain aware of their surroundings.”
The Ministry of Interior directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend 3G and 4G mobile data services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from midnight till further orders.
A letter dated October 9, addressed to the PTA chairman, instructed the authority to coordinate with the Islamabad commissioner, police chief, and Rawalpindi regional police officer for enforcement. The ministry did not specify a reason, but the move coincides with broader security measures ahead of the TLP rally.
Islamabad traffic police announced a comprehensive diversion plan, citing “law and order” concerns in the Faizabad area. Entry of heavy vehicles into the capital has been banned until further notice.
Sources said around 500 containers have been deployed to seal off the Red Zone, covering Attaturk Avenue, Third Avenue, Margalla Road, Khayaban-i-Suharwardy, and major entry and exit points of the city. Blockades have also been placed at Serena Chowk, Express Chowk, Nadra Chowk, and roads near the Marriott Hotel, Trail 3, and Zero Point.
Metro bus and electric bus services on 21 routes were suspended Thursday evening and remain halted today. Several educational institutions in the capital have also announced closures.
According to reports, at least 280 TLP leaders and activists were detained in Islamabad on Thursday as police ramped up preventive arrests. Around 7,000 security personnel — including 5,500 policemen, 1,000 Frontier Constabulary, and 500 Rangers — have been deployed across the capital.
Authorities have positioned Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and anti-riot vehicles equipped with tear gas and rubber bullets at key locations. In neighbouring Rawalpindi, Section 144 has been imposed until October 11, prohibiting gatherings of four or more people.
Over 6,500 police personnel, including 1,150 traffic officers and contingents from the Punjab Constabulary and Riot Management Police, are on duty. Major entry and exit points have been sealed with more than 300 containers.
Violence was also reported late Thursday after police raided the TLP headquarters in Lahore in an attempt to arrest party chief Saad Rizvi, leaving several people injured, including a dozen policemen.
An order issued by the Punjab Home Department on October 8 confirmed that Section 144 had been imposed province-wide for ten days due to a “serious and imminent threat” to public peace. The notification cited credible intelligence reports warning of possible terrorist plots by groups such as RAW, TTP, BLA, and Daesh targeting minorities or religious scholars to spark sectarian unrest.
The order bans all rallies, sit-ins, and public processions, along with restrictions on carrying arms, misuse of loudspeakers, and dissemination of provocative or sectarian content.
Meanwhile, Punjab University announced its closure today under government directives. The Punjab Public Service Commission also postponed its October 11–12 exams for the Enforcement and Regulatory Authority Sub-Divisional Officer post, with new dates to be announced later.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said on Thursday that while the government supports peaceful demonstrations, the TLP had not obtained official permission for its protest in the capital.
