The Islamabad-Peshawar motorway reopened to traffic following an ‘indefinite’ closure on Monday, September 28. The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) confirmed the reopening. The M-1 motorway is now open to all types of traffic in both directions. The route connects Islamabad with Peshawar and serves as a major road link between the two cities. The motorway had remained closed since last week. Authorities had announced the closure for an indefinite period amid security preparations linked to a planned PTI long march towards Islamabad.
The planned march was initially scheduled for September 27. However, PTI later postponed the march until October 4. The change followed the earlier security arrangements along major routes. According to the NH&MP, authorities had closed the M-1 between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange. The closure affected traffic moving in both directions.
Officials also closed sections of other major roads. These included the Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, known as the M-14, and the GT Road. After authorities reviewed the situation. The NH&MP confirmed that motorists can now use the M-1 in both directions. However, some road work is still continuing on the M-14. Restoration work remains underway between Hakla and Kundal.
Work is also continuing on the loop connecting the M-1 with the Hazara Motorway. Motorists travelling from Islamabad towards Abbottabad should therefore follow the available diversion. According to the motorway police, travellers can exit the M-1 at Burhan Interchange. They can then use the GT Road through Hasan Abdal. Motorists can later rejoin the Hazara Expressway at Jhuri Kas Interchange. This route provides an alternative while restoration work continues.
The GT Road between Islamabad and Peshawar has also reopened to all traffic. The route had previously been closed at Attock Khurd. Authorities had strengthened security in Attock during the closure period. They placed containers and sandbags at important bridges and tightened security at key entry and exit points.
The measures were part of preparations for the planned protest and march towards Islamabad. Authorities had also increased security around major transport routes. The government had announced the road closures earlier in September. The restrictions affected commuters, transporters and other road users travelling between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the M-1 now open, motorists can resume travel between Islamabad and Peshawar. However, travellers using connected routes should remain aware of ongoing restoration work.
The motorway police have also provided an alternative route for motorists heading towards Abbottabad. Drivers should follow official traffic instructions around areas where road work continues. The reopening restores a major road connection between the federal capital and Peshawar. It also reduces the need for travellers to use alternative routes during the journey.
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