ISLAMABAD – Traffic between Islamabad and Peshawar remained disrupted on Friday as key sections of the M-1 motorway, M-14 and N-5 GT Road continued to remain closed despite postponement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned September 27 protest march.
M-1 motorway has remained closed since September 23, with the Islamabad Toll Plaza-to-Chachh Interchange stretch blocked in both directions for all types of traffic.
According to the Motorway Police, several key interchanges along the route are also closed, including Islamabad Toll Plaza, Fateh Jang/Tarnol Interchange, Sangjani Interchange, Brahma Bahtar Interchange, Burhan Interchange, Hazara Motorway Interchange, Ghazi Interchange and Chachh Interchange.
M-14 motorway from Hakla to Kundal has also been shut in both directions for all traffic, while the N-5 GT Road at Attock Khurd remains blocked on both sides with containers. Asked when the roads would reopen, a Motorway Police spokesperson said no definite timeline could be given and that the decision would depend on the situation.
Islamabad-Lahore M-2 motorway remains open in both directions for light transport vehicles (LTVs). However, heavy traffic heading towards the area is being diverted onto the GT Road. The continuing closures have created major restrictions on one of the principal road links between the federal capital, northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Attock Bridge Situation
Security measures have also intensified around the Attock Bridge, a major connection between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additional barriers have been installed around the bridge, while containers have been positioned along roads and routes leading towards Islamabad.
Videos from the area show further obstructions being erected around the Attock Bridge, effectively blocking routes into the capital.
T-Chowk route partially reopened
T-Chowk entry point from Rawalpindi towards Islamabad was reportedly reopened for light traffic on Friday. Containers placed along the route have been removed, allowing LTV traffic to enter Islamabad through the T-Chowk side. The development comes as authorities continue to adjust road restrictions at different entry points ahead of the PTI protest.
Ahead of the September 27 protest, Islamabad’s local administration has positioned hundreds of containers along the sides of roads at major entry and exit points and other strategically important locations.
The containers can be moved into position if authorities decide to close roads, while D-Chowk has already been sealed with containers.
Meanwhile, containers have also been positioned around bridges over two rivers in districts of central Punjab, with reports that bags filled with sand and soil are being brought to the locations to reinforce the barriers.
The security arrangements have also been reinforced with the federal government approving the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad and four districts of Punjab. Ministry of Interior issued the notification following requests from the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Punjab government.
The notification authorises Rangers to provide assistance under their legal powers and directs Rangers and police to take appropriate and necessary action in the event of attacks by disruptive or armed groups.
Security personnel have also been directed to take all necessary measures to deal with violent activities or potential threats.
PTI postpones September 27 Long March to Islamabad until October 5
