ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned protest in the federal capital is expected to trigger widespread traffic disruption, with the Islamabad administration rolling out extensive road closures and security arrangements to keep demonstrators away from the Red Zone.
According to Islamabad Traffic Police, key entry and exit points to the Red Zone will be sealed once the protest begins. Major arteries, including Murree Road, Srinagar Highway, IJP Road, Margalla Road, and the Golra Mor flyover, are expected to face restrictions.
Containers are being positioned at T-Chowk, Faizabad, 26 Number Chowrungi, Koral Chowk, and Rawat to block access routes from Rawalpindi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Srinagar Highway from Korianwala Chowk to Peshawar Mor and Islamabad Expressway from Faizabad to Khayaban Chowk will likely remain closed for through traffic during protest hours.
The police have advised commuters to use alternate routes: 9th Avenue and Colonel Sher Khan Road via Murree Road for travel between Motorway and Bhara Kahu/Murree, and Jinnah Avenue or Margalla Road via 9th Avenue for access to the Red Zone and adjoining sectors.
Section 144 remains enforced across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, banning public gatherings and rallies. A three-tier security cordon is being set up around D-Chowk to prevent access to sensitive government buildings. Additional police personnel are being deployed at all major entry points, while rangers and FC personnel are on standby for Red Zone security. Pillion riding on motorcycles has also been restricted for 48 hours in the capital as a precautionary measure.
Based on patterns from previous PTI demonstrations, the protest is likely to cause hours-long traffic jams at Faizabad, 26 Chowrangi, and IJP Road. Intercity buses, Metro services, and airport-bound traffic usually face the worst delays.
During past sit-ins at Chungi No.26, traffic came to a standstill for 5-6 hours, with queues stretching several kilometers. Students, office workers, and patients traveling to PIMS, Polyclinic, and Shifa Hospital are expected to be the worst affected. Islamabad International Airport routes may also see slow movement and extra security checks.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad has urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel and use designated alternate routes. “The security plan is aimed at maintaining law and order and minimizing public inconvenience.
As the protest call is still active, traffic police have asked citizens to follow Police live updates and FM 92.4 for real-time road updates before leaving home.
