Motorways to be closed from tonight

Islamabad-Motorway Police have announced the temporary closure of major motorways, including:

– Peshawar-Islamabad
– Lahore-Islamabad
– Pindi Bhattian-Multan
– Sialkot-Lahore (M11)
– Dera Ismail Khan-Hakla (M14)

starting tonight at 8pm, citing maintenance work as the reason. However, sources suggest the closures might also be related to anticipated PTI protests in Lahore and Islamabad. The motorways will remain closed until further notice, with the Motorway Police stating that the decision was taken to ensure public safety and facilitate maintenance work. The closures may cause inconvenience to travelers, and commuters are advised to plan alternative routes. The Motorway Police will provide updates on the reopening of the motorways once the maintenance work is completed.

All the entry and exit routes of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, will be sealed with containers.

The Islamabad Transport Authority has ordered the closure of all transport terminals starting at 8pm tonight, with orders to seal bus terminals with tents.

Moreover, there will be strict surveillance and heavy police presence on all entry and exit routes. Containers have been brought into the city and will be placed strategically on major roads and entry points to block access to the protest site.

Containers will be placed on Murree Road to block entry into Islamabad, as well as at Rawat’s T Chowk, on the entry route from Faizabad to Islamabad, on No 26 Chungi and Srinagar Highway, New Margalla Road Iran Avenue, in Sector I-8, IJP Double Road and Margalla Road, and at Sangjani, Sector G-11 Chowk, Golra Mor Flyover and Underpass.

The authorities have also decided to seal the Red Zone entirely if the situation escalates during the protest. More than 2,200 containers have been brought to Islamabad, and additional personnel have been called in to bolster security.

Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, banning public gatherings and protests in both cities.

The administration plans to deploy strict surveillance and maintain a heavy police presence on all internal and external routes to ensure the city’s safety.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has categorically stated that no march or sit-in will be permitted in Islamabad, and emphasised that the Islamabad High Court’s directives will be strictly enforced.

Speaking to the media, Naqvi warned that any violation of court orders would result in action, with violators held responsible for any damage or loss of life.

Naqvi reiterated that the high court’s orders would be implemented “100%” and no one allowed to protest in Islamabad. “I want no shop, business, or road to be closed,” he said, stressing that citizens’ daily lives must not be disrupted by political protests or unrest.

Naqvi assured that anyone violating Section 144 in Islamabad would face strict legal action. He urged political parties to use appropriate forums to raise their concerns rather than resorting to protests and sit-ins that disrupt public order. “There is a forum to