Protesters from various religio-political parties managed to remove barriers and reach the D-Chowk gate of the Red Zone in Islamabad on Monday while attempting to march towards the Supreme Court.

As the demonstrators tried to advance, police gradually retreated, allowing the protesters to open the Red Zone gate. Some protesters were also present on the other side of the gate near Parliament, but the leaders instructed them to halt at D-Chowk.

Islamabad’s iconic public square location is close to several important government buildings like the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and foreign embassies. Over the years, the spot has made it an ideal venue for political leaders and civil society to raise their voices.

When the group attempted to proceed towards the apex court, police responded with tear gas shelling. A few dozen protesters retreated following the shelling and announcements from the authorities.

The protesters were subsequently stopped at the Red Zone gate and police ceased further shelling upon the SC’ss directive to halt progression. Demonstrators continued to gather from D-Chowk to Express Chowk, maintaining a strong presence in the area.