ISLAMABAD, Oct 4: Red Zone in the capital city, housing sensitive installations, which includes the Diplomatic Enclave, will be sealed on Friday.

The decision was taken in order to intercept protesters from religious seminaries of the twin cities, who will try reaching the enclave, police and city administration said.

The protesters backed by Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (former Sipah-e-Sahaba) will participate along with students from religious seminaries of the twin cities.

Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), a coalition of more than 40 Pakistani religious parties, will also participate in the protest on the invitation of ASWJ, they added.

The protesters will gather at Aabpara Chowk and hold Shudha (Martyrs) Conference over the assassination of Maulana Azam Tariq and later hold a rally heading towards American embassy.

An officer of the city administration said that the protesters would not be allowed to march towards the embassy and gather in front of Serena Hotel.

After negotiations with the organisers of the protest, the latter agreed not to enter the Red Zone, if they are allowed to march towards Parade Ground, he added.  There is no ‘official information’ about the participants of proscribed leaders of banned outfits, he said, adding, that strict action according to the law would be taken against the leaders, if they appear in public.

According to the arrangements to intercept the protesters, Red Zone will be sealed on Friday by putting containers on Kashmir Highway, Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy, Third Avenue, and Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat.

However, Margalla Road will remain open for government officials whose offices are located in the Red Zone, from where restricted entry will be allowed.

Third line of defence is being made at the Suhrawardy Road – in front of France gate, in front of Serena Hotel and at Ataturk Avenue 5, to intercept protesters marching towards the embassy.

Similarly, the Ninth Avenue, Murree Road and Islamabad Road from Faizabad will also be blocked to intercept protesters coming from Rawalpindi. Fair amount of tear gas shells and rubber bullets have been arranged to maintain law and order. Manpower from Police Line Headquarters – reserves force – and police station will be deployed around the Red Zone.