Major highways closed ahead of PTI’s Islamabad march

Authorities have tightened security in Islamabad and Punjab ahead of the PTI’s planned September 27 march, shutting major routes and seeking mobile and internet restrictions in selected areas.

The M-1, M-14 and parts of the N-5 have been shut in both directions, with several interchanges also closed until further notice.

The M-1 has been closed between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chach Interchange. The closure also affects the Fateh Jang, Sangjani, Brahma Bahtar, Burhan, Hazara Motorway, Ghazi and Chach interchanges.

The M-14 has also been blocked between Hakla and Kundal. The affected interchanges include Hakla, Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb, Khairapa, Tarap, Daud Khel, Kot Belian, Isa Khel and Kundal.

Traffic on the N-5 GT Road has been stopped in both directions at Attock Khurd. Authorities have also placed containers at key points around Attock as part of preparations for the expected movement towards Islamabad.

The closures come ahead of PTI’s planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. The party has called for the release of its founder Imran Khan and has also raised the issue of the supremacy of the Constitution.

The Punjab government has separately sought the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist the provincial police with maintaining law and order. The request covers the period from September 22 to October 5.

The Home Department has requested three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, including personnel for Rawalpindi city and Taxila, while five wings have been sought for Attock. Jhelum and Mianwali have each been included in the deployment request.

Punjab authorities have also asked the federal government to restrict mobile and internet services at specified locations in Rawalpindi and Attock from September 27. The request includes downgrading or jamming 2G, 3G and 4G services in selected areas along the M-1 corridor, including Brahma Bahtar, Ganjoo, Ahata, Taxila City, Wah Saddar, Thallian and Chakri.

The Home Department said police requested the restrictions as part of measures to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.

Security measures have also been expanded in Islamabad, where authorities have placed containers at key entry points and sealed the Red Zone.