Islamabad Removes 50% of Containers, Orders Forces Withdrawal
Authorities order the return of 2,000 Sindh Police and 3,000 Federal Constabulary personnel as half of Islamabad's security containers are reportedly removed, with remaining Red Zone barriers scheduled for clearance by Tuesday evening.
ISLAMABAD, October 13, 2026: Authorities have issued orders to send back 5,000 additional security personnel deployed in the federal capital ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march, as Islamabad continues removing shipping containers and temporary barriers installed across the city.
According to information received by Islamabad Tribune, the personnel include 2,000 police officers and officials brought from Sindh and 3,000 members of the Federal Constabulary (FC), who had been called to Islamabad to reinforce security arrangements during the anticipated political demonstration.
The instructions to return the additional personnel mark a reduction in the extraordinary security arrangements introduced to manage the situation in the federal capital.
Half of Islamabad’s Security Containers Removed
According to the latest operational details, approximately 50 percent of the shipping containers positioned across Islamabad have already been removed.
Containers filled with sandbags and placed at the capital’s entry points have reportedly been completely cleared, allowing the gradual restoration of normal traffic movement.
Authorities also plan to remove the remaining containers positioned within and around Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone by Tuesday evening, October 13.
The Red Zone, which includes Parliament House and several important federal government institutions, had been subject to additional security restrictions during preparations for the proposed long march.
Islamabad Police Orders Road Clearance
Inspector General of Islamabad Police Captain (Retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry had earlier directed relevant officers to remove containers from major roads and restore smooth traffic flow throughout the federal capital.
The containers were installed as part of precautionary security measures following PTI’s announcement of a march towards Islamabad.
The barriers had remained positioned along major thoroughfares, sensitive locations, and entry and exit routes for more than three weeks, creating difficulties for commuters, motorists, transport operators and businesses.
Security Reinforcements Being Withdrawn
The latest withdrawal instructions follow broader decisions to reduce additional police deployments in Islamabad and adjoining districts.
Reports indicate that the withdrawal of supplementary police contingents in the twin cities and surrounding districts is being organised in phases, while specialised riot-management units are expected to remain deployed until further instructions.
The removal operation follows the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, developments that have significantly altered the political and security situation surrounding the planned protest.
For Islamabad residents, the removal of temporary barriers is expected to improve access to major roads, reduce commuting difficulties and help restore routine commercial and transport activities.
However, the completion of the remaining Red Zone clearance and the actual departure of all additional personnel will depend on implementation of the relevant administrative and security instructions.
The reported figures of 2,000 Sindh Police personnel, 3,000 FC personnel and 50 percent container clearance are based on the latest information supplied to Islamabad Tribune and remain subject to further official confirmation.
