Major routes to Islamabad closed ahead of PTI protest
NHMP travel advisory shows multiple road closures and restrictions
Major roads leading to Islamabad have been partially closed or restricted in preparation for a significant opposition demonstration. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party plans to stage a long march on September 27, aiming to secure the release of their founder, Imran Khan. The National Highways and Motorway Police have issued a travel advisory detailing the closures, citing a "law-and-order situation" as the primary reason.
Critical routes such as the M-1 motorway, connecting Swabi to Islamabad, have been shut down in both directions. The E-35 Hazara Motorway and the M-14's Hakla-to-Yarik stretch have also been affected, with both directions experiencing law-and-order restrictions. Further disruptions include the M-2 North, with heavy transport vehicle traffic halted between Kot Momin and Islamabad, and the N-5 Grand Trunk Road facing similar restrictions at Attock Khurd.
PTI officials claim these measures are meant to prevent supporters from reaching Islamabad, while authorities maintain the closures are for public safety. Despite the restrictions, some roads remain open, and conditions are reported as clear. This situation has led to disruptions for commuters in regions like Haripur, Attock, and Rawalpindi-Islamabad, with numerous entry points to the city sealed and traffic queues forming in various locations.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
