ISLAMABAD – Pakistani capital Islamabad, is bracing for a major security lockdown as authorities move to seal the Red Zone ahead of the PTI’s September 27 march.
Five main routes leading into the Red Zone would be blocked with two layers of containers, while large police contingents would be deployed at each entry point. The extended Red Zone is also expected to remain closed and would only be reopened if an emergency requires access.
The preparations point to escalation in security measures as authorities anticipate a possible attempt by protesters to move towards the most sensitive parts of the federal capital.
SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza chaired a meeting to review the overall security situation and policing measures in the capital. Directions were issued to continue efforts for crime prevention, maintenance of law and order, and protection of citizens.#WeRIslamabadPolice… pic.twitter.com/owyZkXjgf8
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) September 18, 2026
Islamabad Police has sought more than 1,000 containers for use at the Red Zone, High Security Zone and major entry and exit points. Containers are also being placed along important roads to restrict the movement of protesters approaching the city. More than 600 containers have reportedly already been arranged or taken into custody, with efforts continuing to secure the remaining units.
The security buildup is not limited to physical barriers. The Islamabad Capital Police has also put its personnel on extended alert, with routine leave suspended until October 5, 2026, under a circular issued by the Inspector General of Police.
The preparations come shortly after the Islamabad High Court issued its detailed judgment on the proposed PTI march. The court made it clear that political parties, politicians, provincial governments and public officeholders cannot lawfully occupy or block public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or government buildings. At the same time, authorities were directed to ensure that ordinary citizens continue to have access to roads, workplaces, businesses, hospitals and educational institutions.
The security operation is expected to carry a substantial financial cost. Police sources said the plan involves arranging around 1,000 containers across Islamabad, including at major roads, entry and exit points and sensitive locations. Contractors had also been asked to arrange more than 1,000 containers for possible deployment, particularly around the Red Zone and High Security Zone.
Security Measures to cost 400 Million
Under the proposed arrangements, container owners are being paid around Rs20,000 per container each day. Any damage caused during deployment would be dealt with separately. Based on the number of containers required and the length of the operation, sources estimate that container rentals and related security expenses could exceed Rs400 million. No final official figure has been announced so far.
The final cost, however, is expected to depend heavily on how large and how long the security operation becomes. Additional expenses will include the transportation, accommodation and meals of police and other security personnel brought in to reinforce the capital. Islamabad Police has reportedly shared preliminary estimates with the federal government.
Government procurement records also show that the Logistics Division of Islamabad Police had earlier sought bids for containers, cranes, forklifts and public-service or carriage vehicles. The procurement indicates that authorities have an established mechanism for arranging the equipment needed for large-scale security operations.
IHC Ruling
The preparations are unfolding alongside a significant court ruling concerning the planned PTI march. The Islamabad High Court ruled that political parties and public officeholders have no legal authority to block roads in the federal capital while disposing of a petition challenging the September 27 long march.
PTI announced the march last month as part of its campaign for the release of party founder Imran Khan. The party expects supporters from different parts of the country to travel towards Islamabad and has also planned protests, demonstrations and shutdowns along major highways in cities including Lahore, Karachi, Hyderabad and Quetta.
The petition before the high court was filed by Islamabad resident Waqas Ahmed, who argued that the planned march could disrupt his business activities in the capital. His lawyer also raised concerns about the possible use of government machinery and referred to PTI’s previous attempt to enter Islamabad in 2024.
A larger bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif issued directions to the federal and provincial authorities.
The court ordered provincial governments to ensure that state resources are not used for political marches, rallies or processions. Chief ministers were also directed to prevent the use of public funds, government officials and personnel for political protests.
With the march still days away, Islamabad is already seeing preparations normally associated with a major security operation. Containers are being moved into position, police deployments are being expanded and access to sensitive areas is being restricted. How long the restrictions remain in place, and how extensively they affect movement across the capital, will depend on developments surrounding the September 27 mobilisation.
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