M-1, M-14 and sections of N-5 among key routes affected as authorities tighten security around Islamabad and Attock
ISLAMABAD: Major road and motorway links connecting Islamabad with surrounding regions have been closed or restricted as authorities strengthen security arrangements ahead of the planned September 27 protest.
According to the National Highways and Motorway Police, the M-1 Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway has been closed in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange. The M-14 Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway has also been blocked between Hakla and Kundal.
A section of the N-5 Grand Trunk Road has been closed at Attock Khurd, further affecting one of the important road connections between Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.
Other routes have also been affected. The Hazara Motorway has been blocked at the Hazara Interchange, while the Rawalpindi-Kohat Road is closed at Khushalgarh. The Abbottabad-Hassan Abdal Road has also been restricted at the Jhari Kas checkpoint.
Security measures have also been increased at important crossings and bridges in Attock. Containers and other barriers have been positioned at locations including Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge, while additional security arrangements have been made around Chachh and Ghazi interchanges.
Within Islamabad, authorities have placed containers at several major entry points and roads, including Tarnol, Sangjani, Iran Avenue, 26 Number Chungi, Srinagar Highway, T-Chowk Rawat and Faizabad. The Red Zone has also been sealed as part of the security arrangements.
The restrictions are expected to affect intercity movement and access to the capital, particularly for commuters travelling between Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities have advised citizens to cooperate with security agencies and follow official travel and traffic advisories during the period of heightened security.
The Punjab Home Department has also requested restrictions on mobile and internet services at specified locations in Rawalpindi and Attock from September 27 as part of the broader law-and-order arrangements.
