ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has issued a travel advisory for passengers because road closures in Lahore and Islamabad are causing delays in flight operations.
A PIA spokesperson said that protests by a religious group have blocked several main routes, making it difficult for airline staff to reach the airports and affecting flight schedules.
Passengers have been advised to reach the airport at least four to five hours before their flight due to traffic disruptions.
Important routes, including GT Road and the motorway, are affected in areas around Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The Chenab Toll Plaza in Wazirabad has also been closed with containers, adding to traffic problems.
Many passengers are using other routes to reach airports and railway stations. PIA has advised travelers to stay updated on the situation and plan their journey accordingly.
Meanwhile, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi faced travel and communication problems as authorities placed containers at key intersections and suspended mobile data services ahead of a religious group’s march towards the capital.
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Both cities were largely closed, with blocked roads, restricted movement, and poor communication services. People found it difficult to move around as city entry points were sealed, and mobile internet services were suspended. Lawyers and students faced problems reaching courts and schools.
According to a notification from the Ministry of Interior, 3G and 4G mobile services in the twin cities were suspended until further notice. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority was directed to take necessary action in coordination with local authorities.
The Metro Bus service was also suspended, and business centres and hotels on Murree Road were closed. Roads connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi were blocked, adding to the difficulties for commuters.
Authorities also sealed major highways to prevent the movement of activists joining the march from Lahore and other cities.
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The M3 Motorway (Multan–Lahore) was closed from Abdul Hakim Toll Plaza to Lahore, while the M2 Motorway (Lahore–Islamabad) was blocked from Pindi Bhattian towards Islamabad. The N-5 National Highway was also closed at Mian Channu Toll Plaza.
Containers were placed at Faizabad Interchange, and law enforcement remained on high alert. Officials said 37 locations across the city were blocked with containers and barriers, while police were deployed at key points including Gulzar-e-Quaid, Sawan Pul, and Adiala Road.
The Senate session scheduled for Friday was adjourned due to a lack of quorum, as many lawmakers could not reach the Parliament because of the road closures, said Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
