Several key routes in Islamabad have been closed as part of heightened security arrangements, disrupting commuters across the federal capital.
According to the latest updates, roads leading towards Serena have been blocked, while the 26 Number Chungi bus terminal has also been shut down until further notice.
Meanwhile, SSP Operations Islamabad, Qazi Ali Raza, conducted a detailed visit to the Red Zone and various duty points to review security measures. During the visit, he assessed the arrangements in place and issued directives to officers to ensure the effective and efficient performance of their duties.
The administration has advised citizens to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with law enforcement agencies during the ongoing security situation.
Key Traffic Diversions and Route Closures
Expressway Closure: The Expressway will be closed to all types of traffic from Koral to Zero Point.
Srinagar Highway: Traffic may be suspended at various times on Srinagar Highway.
Access for G & F Sectors: Residents of sectors G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6, and F-7 travelling to Rawalpindi should use 9th Avenue via Margalla Road.
Faisal Avenue: Traffic coming from Faisal Avenue toward Zero Point will be diverted to 9th Avenue.
Alternative for Koral-Zero Point: In case of closures between Zero Point and Koral Chowk, commuters can use 9th Avenue, Srinagar Highway, Stadium Road, Murree Road, and Rawal Road to reach Koral.
Park Road Closure: If Park Road is closed toward Club Road, traffic will be diverted to Taramri Chowk.
Bhara Kahu & Rawalpindi: Travellers from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi are advised to use Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road.
Saddar to Islamabad: Commuters coming from Rawalpindi Saddar to Islamabad should use Colonel Sher Khan Road, Faqir Aipi Road, or 9th Avenue.
Heavy Traffic (Peshawar to Lahore): Heavy vehicles travelling from GT Road Peshawar toward Lahore must use the Motorway, Taxila, Chakri Interchange, and Chak Beli Road to reach GT Road Rawat.
Heavy Traffic (Lahore to Peshawar): Heavy vehicles travelling from GT Road Lahore toward Peshawar should use Chak Beli Road to Chakri Interchange, then proceed via the Motorway toward Taxila.
Islamabad-Rawalpindi public transport, heavy traffic suspended
On Sunday, the authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad declared a suspension of all kinds of movement, including private, public and transport of goods in the city of Rawalpindi and also prevented further movement of people and heavy transport movement at least in Islamabad.
The announcements were made by the official district administration accounts and had an instant, alarming effect on commuters and transport operators.
DC Rawalpindi announced that all private, public and goods transport in Rawalpindi will be suspended with immediate effect and subsequent updates will be shared.
The directive was also issued in Urdu also supporting that the suspension will be maintained until a new set of orders is issued.
The announcement halted road transport operations throughout the district and various operational areas, such as daily commuters, logistics services, and intercity travel.
In the same fashion, DC Islamabad declared that it is suspending the public and heavy transport in the federal capital, saying that the decision has been taken as part of administrative measures and urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies.
There was no mention of duration in the announcement, but it stated that the restriction will be in force until further notice.
Although the restrictions have not been reported to be linked to a particular development, the timing triggered speculations that the measures have possibly got any relationship with Islamabad Talks 2.0.
These processes are generally used on a large scale to maintain security and control during high-level diplomatic or strategic engagements. No official confirmation has been made in this respect yet, however.
Islamabad talks phase two
The next round of Iran-US talks is also likely to be held in Pakistan, said the President of the United States (US), Donald Trump, according to an interview with the New York Post.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump said to the journalist, reports say.
He also praised the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying that he is doing excellent work.
“He’s fantastic, and therefore it’s more likely that we go back there,” Trump further stated.
Arrangements have begun in Islamabad for the second round of Iran-US talks, with security on high alert in the federal capital, and the Punjab Police have also been summoned.
Also read: All transport terminals in Rawalpindi to remain closed for ten days
