ISLAMABAD: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has imposed restrictions on heavy and cargo vehicles travelling from Lahore towards Islamabad on the M-2 and M-3 motorways from Wednesday, September 23, while the M-1, M-14 and a section of the GT Road (N-5) are being closed to all traffic amid heightened security ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.
According to an NHMP spokesperson, heavy and cargo vehicles travelling towards Islamabad on the M-2 and M-3 will be diverted at Kala Shah Kaku and directed towards the GT Road as an alternative route. The M-2 remains open to other traffic.
The M-1 (Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway) will be closed to all traffic in both directions from 11pm on Wednesday until further orders. The closure will cover the section between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange. The Islamabad Toll Plaza, Fateh Jang/Tarnol, Sangjani/AWT, Brahma Bahtar, Burhan, Hazara Motorway, Ghazi and Chachh interchanges will also remain closed.
The M-14 (Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway) will also be closed in both directions from Hakla to Kundal from Wednesday evening. The affected interchanges include Hakla, Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb, Kharpa, Tarap, Daud Khel, Kot Belian, Isa Khel and Kundal.
The GT Road (N-5) will also be closed to all traffic in both directions at Attock Khurd from Wednesday evening, according to the Motorway Police.
In its advisory, the Motorway Police urged people travelling from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other areas to avoid the M-1 and postpone non-essential journeys. Motorists have also been advised to check the latest traffic situation and follow official instructions before travelling.
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The closures and traffic restrictions come ahead of the PTI’s planned long march to Islamabad on September 27. Police have also increased security arrangements around Islamabad and Attock, including the placement of containers at key entry points.
