ISLAMABAD: Major roads across the federal capital were closed and traffic rerouted on Friday as authorities enforced an extensive traffic diversion plan during the central Youm-ul-Quds rally, causing significant movement restrictions in several key areas of the city.
The main procession began after Friday prayers from Imam Bargah Asna Ashri in Sector G-6/2 and is scheduled to proceed towards China Chowk. Due to security concerns and the expected turnout, authorities sealed multiple roads and imposed strict traffic control measures around the rally route and nearby sectors.
Islamabad Police deployed more than 3,500 officers across the capital to manage security and traffic flow. Officials said special checkpoints were established at key entry and exit points of the city while vehicle searches and monitoring continued throughout the day to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents.
As part of the traffic management plan, several roads leading to the Red Zone were closed while Margalla Road remained the only route open for entry into the high security zone. Container barriers were placed on sensitive routes and commercial activity in G-7 and the Blue Area was temporarily suspended to prevent congestion and maintain order.
Traffic diversions were enforced at major intersections including G-9 Labour Chowk, Ibn-e-Sina Road, Tayyab Erdogan Bridge, Peshawar Mor and Jinnah Avenue. Vehicles were redirected towards alternate corridors such as Ninth Avenue, Margalla Road, Nazimuddin Road, Faisal Avenue and Seventh Avenue to ease pressure on the city’s central arteries.
Authorities also advised motorists travelling from GT Road to enter Islamabad through Tarnol and use the Srinagar Highway. Commuters heading towards Sabzi Mandi were directed to use Ninth Avenue, while travellers from Tramri were instructed to take Lehtrar Road or the Islamabad Expressway. Islamabad Traffic Police urged citizens to stay informed about the latest road situation through FM 92.4 as traffic management operations continue across the capital.
