ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: The government on Saturday directed closure of all government and private offices falling in the "Red Zone" from January 5-6 as part of air-tight security in Islamabad for the 12th Saarc summit.

A government statement said: "It has been decided that in view of the security arrangements made for the 12th Saarc summit, all federal ministries/divisions/departments/offices located in Islamabad, including offices of the private organizations falling in Red Zone, will remain closed on 5th and 6th January, 2004."

The Red Zone, from the Convention Centre, where the summit is being held, to the Marriott Hotel covers important buildings including Serena Hotel, federal government secretariat, Pakistan Television Corporation, Parliament House, Supreme Court, Prime Minister Secretariat, Central Board of Revenue (CBR), Accountant General Public Accounts (AGPR), Election Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation, Foreign Office and Radio Pakistan. However, special passes have been issued to the employees of the PTV and Radio Pakistan to attend their offices.

Security has been tightened from Saturday night and nobody except for those having special passes issued would be allowed to enter the "Red Zone".

The unprecedented security measures, particularly the road blocks for long hours, have made the life of the common people miserable. Long queues of vehicles could be seen at Khayaban-e- Suharwardy from Zero Point to Aabpara, Islamabad Club road, Kashmir Highway and even I J Principal road.

CONTROL ROOM: Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL) has established a control centre in the Region Office, Islamabad Telecom Region, to provide services to the delegates on the occasion of the 12th SAARC conference.

A PTCL announcement said the control centre would work round the clock and monitor the services being provided to the delegates and the participants of the conference.

Two telephone numbers, 2870411 and 2870412, have been installed for prompt contact and coordination for fault-free services during the summit.

Duty officers and staff will also be available round the clock. The Company has also provided media and lines facilities in the three and four local hotels whereas one facility has been provided at Pakistan Television Centre, Islamabad.