ISLAMABAD – A journey to Peshawar took unexpected turn when a lawyer found Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway blocked near Attock Bridge. With no written closure order provided at the spot, the roadblock has now reached the Islamabad High Court, where its legality is being challenged.
The closure of major roads linking Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken new turn, with Islamabad High Court being asked to examine the legality of the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) blockade amid heightened security preparations for PTI’s planned protest.
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mian Shafqat Jan has approached the IHC after he was unable to reach the Peshawar High Court for a scheduled hearing because of the motorway closure. According to the petition, Jan entered the M-1 from the Islamabad Toll Plaza on September 24 but was stopped near the Attock Bridge. He said officials at the location did not provide him with any written notification or formal order explaining the closure.
The petitioner has argued that blocking public highways without a formally issued order or clearly communicated legal justification can restrict citizens’ freedom of movement and hinder access to courts. He has therefore asked the IHC to declare road and highway closures carried out without proper notifications or legal orders unlawful and unconstitutional.
The petition also seeks arrangements to keep essential routes accessible for emergency vehicles, lawyers, litigants, witnesses, patients, funeral processions and other urgent services.
Major Islamabad-KP routes closed
The legal challenge comes as several important routes between Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain affected. M-1 is closed in both directions between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange, while the M-14 remains blocked between Hakla and Kundal.
Traffic movement on the GT Road has also been stopped at Attock Khurd, creating further disruption for commuters travelling between the federal capital, Punjab and KP. Security simultaneously been reinforced around Attock, with barriers installed at key entry points, bridges and other sensitive locations.
The petitioner has also referred to an earlier Islamabad High Court ruling concerning arrangements for the PTI protest.
The court had directed authorities to ensure that roads, highways, interchanges and toll plazas were not occupied in a manner that prevented ordinary citizens from travelling or accessing essential facilities such as hospitals and educational institutions. The latest petition places the current motorway blockade against that backdrop and asks the court to determine whether such restrictions can legally remain in place without formal orders.
Travel disrupted
The road closures have created significant uncertainty for people travelling between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With restrictions affecting the M-1, M-14 and GT Road, commuters have been advised to reconsider non-essential journeys until the blockades are removed and normal traffic flow returns.
The restrictions come at a time when authorities are implementing extensive security measures across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining districts.
Rangers deployed as PTI protest preparations intensify
The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from September 20 to October 5. The deployment is intended to assist police and civil authorities in maintaining law and order amid preparations for PTI’s planned protest and march.
Motorway, GT Road Still Closed Despite PTI Long March Postponement
Security personnel have also been authorised to respond in self-defence in the event of threats or violent activity, while authorities have been directed to take action against armed or disruptive groups.
At the same time, Section 144 restrictions have been imposed, public gatherings have been restricted and additional police personnel, checkpoints, barriers and crowd-control arrangements have been put in place.
The security operation has extended beyond roads and physical movement. Punjab government has requested the downgrading or suspension of mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock, citing concerns over the potential law-and-order situation.
New Long march schedule
PTI had initially announced a nationwide protest for September 27, demanding the release of Imran Khan and calling for constitutional supremacy. The party later changed its plan and announced that its Islamabad march would instead take place on October 4.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned PTI against entering Islamabad or blocking public roads as security arrangements remain in force across the capital and surrounding districts.
