The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has clarified that roads in Islamabad remain open, rejecting reports that routes in the federal capital have been blocked ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned October 4 march.
According to the ministry, the containers have been positioned as a precautionary security measure.
The ministry said the security arrangements were made in line with directions from the Islamabad High Court. The measures are intended to protect citizens, public property, sensitive installations and lawful movement.
Ministry rejects reports of road blockades
The Information Ministry rejected an Al Jazeera report that described Islamabad as ‘Containerabad’ and presented the security measures as road blockades.
The ministry said this description did not reflect the situation on the ground because roads remained open. It also did not report properly consider the judicial directions and security circumstances behind the placement of containers.
According to the ministry, the preventive measures are part of the government’s responsibility to maintain public order and protect important infrastructure.
The ministry maintained that presenting the containers as road blockades could create a misleading impression about the situation in Islamabad.
Containers remain at different locations
However, containers have been positioned at several points as authorities prepare for possible security requirements.
Reportedly, containers are still present at locations including Faizabad, T-Chowk, 26 Number Chungi and Margalla Avenue. It also reported that major routes into Islamabad, including the M-1, M-14 and GT Road, were open.
Islamabad Traffic Police has also been working to keep traffic moving across the capital. In a recent meeting, Chief Traffic Officer Kainat Azhar Khan directed officers to monitor major roads, clear traffic and pay special attention to congestion during peak hours.
Islamabad Police chief orders removal of security barriers
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Captain (retd.) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry has ordered the removal of all security barriers placed at different locations across Islamabad.
The barriers were installed as part of security measures in the capital. However, they caused traffic diversions and increased travel times on some roads.
The IGP has directed the relevant authorities to remove all seven temporary barriers. The move aims to make daily travel easier and improve traffic flow across Islamabad.