Islamabad traffic alert for closure of major roads ahead of PTI long march
ISLAMABAD — The Pakistani capital is rapidly turning into a walled city ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned Sept. 27 long march, with authorities closing major highways, sealing off strategic entry points and deploying thousands of security personnel in the capital and surrounding districts.
The restrictions are already blocking some of the country’s most important road links. Sections of M-1 Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway, M-14 CPEC Motorway and N-5 GT Road have been closed till further notice, while additional routes connecting Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the twin cities have also been blocked.
Traffic update
- M-1: Block between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhach Interchange.
- M-14: Closed between Hakla and Kundal.
- N-5/GT Road: Closed at Attok Khurd.
- Hazara Motorway: Prohibited near Hazara Interchange.
- Rawalpindi-Kohat Road: Block at Khushalgarh.
- Abbottabad-Hasan Abdal Route: Limited to Jharikas.
- Red Zone: Highly secure, with access restrictions.
- Metrobus: Reported to be operational in latest local update.
The National Highways and Motorway Police says M-1 is closed in both directions between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhach Interchange. M-14 has been closed between Hukla and Kundal, while GT Road (N-5) is closed in Attock Khurd.
The Hazara Motorway has been blocked near its Hazara interchange, the Rawalpindi-Kohat road has been closed at Khushalgarh, and the Abbottabad-Hasan Abdal route has been restricted at Jharikas Chowk, according to current traffic reports.
The security operation is particularly intense in Attock, which lies on the main roads connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.
Containers and sandbags have been placed around Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge, while security has been tightened around Chuch and Ghazi Interchanges. Reports suggest that around 30,000 personnel are being deployed across the district. Thousands of personnel are being deployed along the M-1, N-5, N-80 and M-14 corridors as well as at the selling points.
Preparations are equally extensive within the capital. A large number of shipping containers are placed around major roads and entrances at various locations including Faizabad, Srinagar Highway, Ninth Avenue, Islamabad Expressway, Murree Road, Tarnool, Sangjani, 26 No. Chongi, T Chowk Rawat and Red Zone.
The red zone has already been subject to strict restrictions, with routes into the area sealed off by containers.
Reports indicate that authorities have also arranged for cranes, mud trolleys and other equipment to strengthen barricades and facilitate quick turnaround of road closures.
More than 22,000 security personnel are reportedly deployed in the capital, while police have also been brought in from other areas as part of a wider security operation. Monitoring is being done through the Safe City system, while additional monitoring resources are being used to track progress.
More than 10,000 police personnel have reportedly been deployed across Rawalpindi, including at entry points, blocking positions, police pickets and on roads connecting the twin cities.
With just days to go before the planned march on September 27, the capital is entering a period of extreme uncertainty.
Motorways have been closed. Entry points are being strengthened. Containers are being installed. Security deployment is increasing in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding districts.
The post Traffic alert on closure of major roads before PTI’s long march in Islamabad appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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