PTI Long March Islamabad: Rawalpindi Roads, M-1, GT Road Closures & Security Update

The federal police have requested Rs1 billion from the Ministry of Interior to meet expenses related to security arrangements for political long marches and sit-ins in the capital.

Islamabad has remained surrounded by security containers for the past week as authorities prepare to deal with possible protests and demonstrations by political parties.

Authorities have placed metal nails across Attock Bridge ahead of a planned PTI protest on September 27, as security measures are being tightened along the key route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

The Daud Khel Interchange on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) motorays has been blocked by placing containers ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.

The road closure is part of security and traffic arrangements being made ahead of the planned PTI march.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said consultations were made over the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province.

Speaking to the media in Peshawar ahead of the PTI long march, Kundi criticised the provincial government over its handling of the police and said KP police personnel receive the lowest salaries.

He alleged that the provincial government wanted greater control over the police and sought to make the force a “Tiger Force”.

He also opposed moves under which the provincial government would seek control over the appointments of the inspector general, deputy inspector generals and district police officers.

Kundi said he would oppose such legislation and described himself as a barrier against measures of this nature.

The governor also alleged that the province was facing corruption, lawlessness and terrorism. He maintained that imposing governor’s rule would not be unconstitutional and confirmed that consultations on the matter had taken place.

Asked about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s proposed long march, Kundi questioned the party’s preparations and said its lawmakers were currently in Islamabad.

He claimed that PTI had not made adequate preparations for the march and suggested that some party members were seeking to avoid participation.

The federal capital has been sealed at several entry points with containers ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march on September 27, while movement within the city continues.

Traffic problems have emerged on routes leading into Islamabad. Containers have been placed at the M-1 Motorway toll plaza, which has been closed to all types of traffic. Traffic has been diverted towards the GT Road, while rest areas along the M-1 have also been closed.

Containers filled with soil have been placed at the 26 Number Chungi, blocking the road. Containers have also been positioned on the route from Taxila towards Islamabad.

Inside the capital, walls of containers have been erected at entry points to the Red Zone, with multiple checkpoints established at various locations.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General’s Office has issued a letter approving a special daily duty allowance of Rs1,000 for personnel of the Punjab Constabulary deployed for security duties.

In Rawalpindi, authorities have also taken measures ahead of the anticipated PTI long march. According to police sources, hotels around Faizabad have been closed.

Restaurants and shopkeepers in the area have reportedly been instructed to shut their businesses by this evening. Police sources said guest houses and transport terminals at Faizabad have also been directed to close by tonight.

The government has reportedly decided that internet services would not be suspended for the time being.

It comes after reports emerged that the authorities are mulling over suspending the internet services in parts of the country as part of security measures ahead of the PTI’s September 27 long march.

Officials noted that shutting down mobile services before the march could cause difficulties for ordinary citizens.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority was therefore instructed not to take any action regarding an internet shutdown until it receives directions from the Ministry of Interior, according to reports.

The government has decided to strengthen its administrative, legal and security preparations ahead of PTI’s planned long march on September 27 while keeping the option of political dialogue open.

A high-level meeting reviewed measures aimed at managing the planned march. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Officials were briefed on security and administrative preparations. Reports said the possibility of keeping negotiations open with PTI, similar to the approach taken with Jamaat-e-Islami, was also discussed.

The N-5 GT Road has also been closed at Attock Khurd.

Other affected routes include the Rawalpindi-Kohat Road at Khushal Garh and the Abbottabad-Hassanabdal Road at Jhari Kas Checkpost. The restrictions took effect from 11pm on September 23 and are to remain until further notice, according to the Islamabad Traffic Police advisory.

The M-1 Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway has been closed at designated points, affecting traffic travelling between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the traffic advisory, the closure is in place in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange and will continue until further notice.

Travellers planning to use the M-1 have therefore been advised to check the latest traffic position before starting their journey.

Authorities have positioned a large number of shipping containers at strategic locations across Islamabad and on roads leading towards the capital.

Reports indicate that containers have been placed around major roads and entry points, including areas around Faizabad, Islamabad Expressway, Murree Road, Srinagar Highway, Ninth Avenue, Margalla Road, Jinnah Avenue, I.J.P. Road and other important corridors.

The Red Zone has also been secured with containers as part of the wider security arrangements.

According to the latest situation update shared early Thursday, major roads within Islamabad and Rawalpindi were open, while Metrobus services in the twin cities were also reported operational.

The situation, however, is different on routes connecting the twin cities with KP, where several highways and motorways have been closed.

This means commuters travelling within Islamabad and Rawalpindi may face a different situation from those planning longer journeys towards Attock, KP or northern areas.