Islamabad motorists are advised to plan their travel as several major roads will remain closed or diverted due to the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women being held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on July 12–13.
The special traffic plan is in effect from 8:00am on July 11 until 12:00pm on July 13, with temporary VIP movements also expected during the conference.
According to the traffic advisory, the following routes will remain closed or diverted:
- Closed: Suhrawardy Chowk to Serena Chowk
- Alternative: Use Embassy Road
- Closed: Constitution Avenue (France Turn to Serena Chowk)
- Traffic arrangement: One-way traffic will operate in the area
- Closed: Aabpara to Serena Chowk via Srinagar Highway
- Alternative: Use 7th Avenue from Srinagar Highway
- Closed: Kashmir Chowk to Serena Hotel
- Alternative: Use 7th Avenue from Srinagar Highway
Authorities have also warned that brief traffic disruptions may occur due to VIP arrivals and departures, urging commuters to leave early and use the designated alternate routes to avoid delays.
What is the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women?
Islamabad is set to host the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women on 12 and 13 July at the Jinnah Convention Centre, bringing together ministers, policymakers and senior officials from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The conference is one of the OIC’s highest-level forums on women’s issues and aims to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment and inclusive development across the Muslim world.
Nearly 190 international delegates are expected to attend the two-day summit, which is being hosted by the Government of Pakistan through the Ministry of Human Rights.
The meeting will focus on increasing women’s participation in political and professional life, improving access to economic opportunities and financial resources, and promoting inclusive development to enable women to contribute more fully to their societies.
Officials say the conference will also provide a platform for member states to exchange experiences, discuss policy initiatives and strengthen cooperation on issues affecting women across the Islamic world.
Ahead of the event, Islamabad authorities have introduced a special traffic management plan and security arrangements to facilitate the movement of delegates and minimise disruption for the public.
FAQs
Q1: Why are key roads in Islamabad closed today?
A: Roads have been closed and traffic diversions implemented due to the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women being held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Q2: Which roads are affected by the traffic plan?
A: Suhrawardy Chowk to Serena Chowk, Constitution Avenue (France Turn to Serena Chowk), Aabpara to Serena Chowk via Srinagar Highway, and Kashmir Chowk to Serena Hotel are among the routes affected.
Q3: How long will the traffic restrictions remain in place?
A: The traffic plan is in effect from 8:00am on July 11 until 12:00pm on July 13, 2026, with temporary delays also expected during VIP movements.
Read more: Islamabad Police extends last date to apply for jobs
