PTI March Ahead: Major Roads and Bridges Face Restrictions Across Punjab and KP

Authorities in Punjab and the federal capital have stepped up security arrangements ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nationwide protest and planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. Several major highways, interprovincial crossings and routes leading towards the capital have been closed or restricted, while containers and other barriers have been positioned at strategic locations.

The measures are aimed at preventing large protest convoys from reaching Islamabad and maintaining law and order during the planned demonstration. The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) is currently reporting multiple closures and restrictions on routes connecting Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad. 

M-1 Motorway Closed at Key Section

One of the major routes affected is the Islamabad–Peshawar Motorway (M-1). According to the latest NHMP travel advisory, the motorway is closed between Swabi and the Islamabad Toll Plaza in both directions because of the law-and-order situation. Traffic travelling towards Islamabad is being diverted from the Swabi Interchange. The closure is particularly significant because M-1 is one of the main road connections between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal capital.

M-14 Also Faces Restrictions

The Islamabad–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway (M-14) has also been affected. The latest NHMP advisory lists restrictions along the route from the Hakla area towards Yarik, with both northbound and southbound movement affected by the law-and-order situation. These restrictions have reduced the number of major motorway routes available to people travelling between Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Attock Bridge and Punjab-KP Link Restricted

The Attock Bridge, an important connection between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has become another major point of security activity.  According to The News, authorities placed containers, barbed wire and other roadblocks at key crossings, including the Attock Bridge and Darwazgai. The measures reportedly caused significant traffic queues and left commuters stranded for hours. The situation is important for travellers because Attock provides a major land connection between KP, northern Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.

Chenab and Jhelum Bridges Under Security Preparations

Authorities have also made preparations around the Chenab and Jhelum bridges on the GT Road in Gujrat district. Dawn reported that heavy vehicles had been positioned near both bridges, while sand-filled sacks were being prepared for possible road blockades. However, the report also made an important distinction: at the time of reporting, private cars, rickshaws and mini-trucks were still being allowed to cross the bridges, and officials said the extent of any complete blockade would depend on the movement of PTI convoys. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to describe both bridges as permanently or completely closed without qualification.

GT Road Also Affected

The GT Road (N-5) has also been affected by the security arrangements. Earlier NHMP information listed restrictions at Attock Khurd, with traffic being diverted through alternative points. The government had also announced closures of key sections of M-1, M-14 and GT Road as part of preparations for the September 27 protest. The restrictions are particularly significant because the GT Road is an important alternative for travellers between Lahore, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Rangers Deployed Ahead of September 27 Protest

Security preparations are not limited to roads. The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several Punjab districts from September 20 to October 5. Punjab had requested Rangers assistance in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali ahead of the PTI protest. The province has also imposed restrictions on gatherings, while Section 144 is in force in Islamabad. The Punjab government has additionally requested that mobile and internet services at specific locations in Rawalpindi and Attock be downgraded or suspended on September 27 because of the expected law-and-order situation. 

(Dawn)