ISLAMABAD — Some relief for motorists as all motorways are set to reopen from 6 am Sunday, restoring normal traffic on key routes after days of security-related closures.
Those who planned inter-city travel in parts of Pakistan witnessed uncertainty earlier this week when govenment placed restriction on key arteries, and now Motorway Police have announced the reopening of all motorways from 6 am tomorrow after days of restrictions imposed amid heightened security arrangements.
According to the Motorway Police spokesperson, all motorways will be restored for traffic, including the M-1, M-14 and E-35 Hazara Motorway. Citizens will be able to resume normal travel on these key routes after 6am.
The reopening comes after major highways were shut as part of security measures linked to the PTI protest and long march announced for September 27 in Islamabad.
M-1 Peshawar Motorway, M-14 Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway and E-35 Hazara Motorway were among the major routes affected by the restrictions. M-1 was closed in both directions from the Islamabad Toll Plaza to the Chachh Interchange, while the M-14 was shut from Hakla to Kundal.
GT Road was also blocked at Attock Khurd, while the E-35 Hazara Motorway was closed near the Burhan Interchange. Traffic movement on several connecting roads was also restricted as authorities tightened security arrangements ahead of the announced protest.
The closures had caused significant disruption for motorists using routes connecting Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other northern areas.
With the Motorway Police now confirming reopening from 6am tomorrow, motorists will be able to resume journeys on the country’s major motorway network, bringing an end to the temporary restrictions imposed amid the heightened security situation.
PTI initially planned to march towards Islamabad on September 27, prompting authorities to impose extensive security measures, block major routes and deploy security personnel along key approaches to the capital. After meeting of the party’s political committee, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the long march would now depart from Peshawar on October 4. The party said the decision was taken unanimously.
The revised protest schedule has been followed by the planned restoration of motorway traffic, with the M-1, M-14 and E-35 among the major routes expected to reopen from 6am Sunday. The closures had severely affected important travel corridors between Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The M-1 was restricted between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and areas around Swabi, while the M-14 was closed between Hakla and Yarik. Restrictions were also imposed on the E-35 Hazara Motorway and the GT Road near Attock Khurd.
The restrictions were introduced as part of security preparations for the September 27 PTI protest. Authorities had also deployed containers and security personnel at strategic locations to prevent disruption around Islamabad.
However, the political situation remains active. The PTI’s new schedule places the next major mobilisation on October 4, meaning authorities could reassess security and traffic arrangements as the revised protest date approaches. The party has said its demands include constitutional supremacy, an independent judiciary, media freedom and the release of Imran Khan.
Motorways M-1, M-14, GT Road Reopen Today after PTI Defers Long March
