ISLAMABAD – Security arrangements have been beefed up across federal capital ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march scheduled for September 27, with authorities deploying more than 22,000 security personnel and positioning around 1,200 containers at key roads and entry points.
The heightened security measures are aimed at managing possible protests and sit-ins by political parties and maintaining law and order in the capital. Police, Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers personnel from other provinces have started arriving in Islamabad as part of the security plan.
8 Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and 10 Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) have been assigned to oversee security operations. In addition, 40 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 58 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and 246 inspectors will perform duties across different sub-sectors of the city.
Containers Locations
Authorities have positioned plethora of containers on roads and sensitive locations across Islamabad. The containers can be used to block routes if required. Red Zone has been sealed from all four sides, with double layers of containers installed at some locations. Of the five entry points leading into the Red Zone, two have currently been closed.
Containers have also been placed around Tarnol, Sangjani, Shahrah-e-Iran, 26 Number Chungi and Srinagar Highway.
Security has additionally been tightened at T-Chowk Rawat, Faizabad and Islamabad Expressway, while personnel will be deployed along major routes connecting the motorway, Tarnol and Sangjani with the Red Zone.
At Bhara Kahu, arrangements have been made to block routes coming from Kashmir if required. Authorities may also close the route connecting Margalla Road with the Red Zone depending on the situation.
Motorway Update
The security measures are also expected to affect major transport routes connecting Islamabad with northern parts of the country. According to the motorway police spokesperson, the M-1 Motorway will be closed to all types of traffic in both directions from the Islamabad Toll Plaza to the Chachh Interchange from Wednesday evening, September 23.
The closure will cover the Islamabad Toll Plaza, Fateh Jang/Tarnol Interchange, Sangjani Interchange, Brahma Bahtar Interchange, Burhan Interchange, Hazara Motorway Interchange, Ghazi Brotha Canal Interchange and Chachh Interchange.
The M-14 Motorway from Hakla to Kundal will also remain closed in both directions from Wednesday evening. The affected interchanges include Hakla, Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb, Kharpa, Tarap, Daud Khel, Kot Belian, Isa Khel and Kundal.
The GT Road (N-5) at Attock Khurd will also be closed to all traffic in both directions from Wednesday evening, according to the motorway police.
Peshawar-bound traffic advised to avoid M-1
In a separate advisory, the motorway police said the Peshawar Motorway (M-1) would remain closed to all types of traffic from 11pm on September 23, 2026, until further orders. Travellers from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other districts have been advised to avoid travelling on the M-1 and postpone unnecessary journeys.
The M-2 Motorway connecting Lahore and Islamabad, however, will remain open to all types of traffic.
Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys according to the traffic advisory and follow instructions issued by the traffic police.
More than 13,000 additional police personnel have reportedly been requisitioned from Punjab and Sindh, in addition to Islamabad Police.
FC and Rangers personnel from other areas are also expected to reach the capital. Educational institutions in Islamabad are being used to accommodate the incoming security personnel. The city’s surveillance network will also be activated, with more than 15,000 cameras being used to monitor important locations.
Police will also conduct aerial surveillance through drones, while restaurants, inns and hotels will remain under monitoring.
Checking at Islamabad’s entry points has been intensified, with additional personnel deployed along important routes.
M-1 motorway to close from September 23
The security measures are also expected to affect major transport routes connecting Islamabad with northern parts of the country.
According to the motorway police spokesperson, the M-1 Motorway will be closed to all types of traffic in both directions from the Islamabad Toll Plaza to the Chachh Interchange from Wednesday evening, September 23.
The closure will cover the Islamabad Toll Plaza, Fateh Jang/Tarnol Interchange, Sangjani Interchange, Brahma Bahtar Interchange, Burhan Interchange, Hazara Motorway Interchange, Ghazi Brotha Canal Interchange and Chachh Interchange.
The M-14 Motorway from Hakla to Kundal will also remain closed in both directions from Wednesday evening.
The affected interchanges include Hakla, Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb, Kharpa, Tarap, Daud Khel, Kot Belian, Isa Khel and Kundal.
The GT Road (N-5) at Attock Khurd will also be closed to all traffic in both directions from Wednesday evening, according to the motorway police.
Peshawar-bound traffic advised to avoid M-1
In a separate advisory, the motorway police said the Peshawar Motorway (M-1) would remain closed to all types of traffic from 11pm on September 23, 2026, until further orders.
Travellers from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other districts have been advised to avoid travelling on the M-1 and postpone unnecessary journeys.
The M-2 Motorway connecting Lahore and Islamabad, however, will remain open to all types of traffic.
Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys according to the traffic advisory and follow instructions issued by the traffic police.
M-1 Motorway SHUT DOWN for all Traffic tonight ahead of PTI Protest
