ISLAMABAD – Pakistani capital Islamabad faced severe traffic disruption on Tuesday after authorities closed Srinagar Highway near toll plaza, causing long queues and widespread gridlock up to Motorway Chowk.
The situation escalated when police stopped a large PTI convoy led by KP Chief Minister near 26 Number Chungi, triggering a roadside standoff and further intensifying congestion and tensions across the city. The sudden blockade triggered massive traffic disruption, with long queues of vehicles forming at Motorway Chowk, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
🚨 اتنا خوف!
اسلام آباد ٹول پلازہ کے قریب اسلام آباد کی طرف جانے والا سری نگر ہائی وے کا راستہ بھی بند کر دیا گیا۔ pic.twitter.com/whle9MGubs— Shafqat Ayaz (@ShafqatAyaz_PTI) May 19, 2026
اسلام آباد پولیس کی جانب سے روڈ بندش کے باعث موٹروے چوک پر گاڑیوں کی لمبی قطاریں لگ گئیں pic.twitter.com/4ByAr2zl4j
— Bilal Ahmad (@ba_talks03) May 19, 2026
A convoy led by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, was stopped by Islamabad Police near 26 Number Chungi while en route to the capital. The convoy, reportedly consisting of thousands of vehicles, was moving toward Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Tensions rose on spot as Chief Minister confronted police officials, questioning the restriction on his movement. In a heated exchange, he reportedly said: “Why are you forcibly stopping the Chief Minister of a province of 45 million people? Open the route immediately.”
The situation quickly intensified as supporters accompanying the convoy raised loud slogans, creating a charged and chaotic atmosphere on the ground.
According to political supporters, the convoy was proceeding peacefully toward Adiala Jail on the scheduled visitation day for family members of Imran Khan. The purpose of the movement, they stated, was to express solidarity with Imran Khan’s sisters during their visit.
However, authorities’ decision to block the route has sparked allegations of heavy-handed tactics, with critics describing the move as an example of political pressure, while officials maintain security and law-and-order considerations behind the road closures.
Rawalpindi imposes Section 144 near Adiala Jail amid security concerns
