Islamabad, Rawalpindi on red alert

Security in Pakistan's twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been put on red alert for Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day visit on Monday.

Pakistan Army, Rangers and police personnel have been deployed on the rooftops of buildings along the route of the visiting dignitary from the airport to the federal capital, Dawn online reported.

Besides, 10,000 police officers, including the Elite Force commandos, have been deployed in Rawalpindi.

"The security would be unprecedented because of the prevailing situation and the nature of the Chinese president's visit," a senior security officer said.

Heavy trucks and other vehicles coming to Rawalpindi-Islamabad from other cities were stopped at different points and the motorway until 12 noon on Monday, he added.