Several major motorways and highways connecting Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab remain closed or restricted on Friday due to the prevailing law-and-order situation, according to the latest National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) travel advisory.
Which sections of motorway are closed today?
According to the latest NHMP advisory:
- M-1 Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway: The section between Swabi and the Islamabad Toll Plaza is closed in both directions. Southbound traffic is being diverted from the Swabi Interchange.
- E-35 Hazara Motorway: The Jharikas-Burhan section is subject to closure/restrictions because of the law-and-order situation. The latest advisory specifically lists the southbound lanes as closed, while earlier NHMP updates reported restrictions in both directions.
- M-14 Hakla-D.I. Khan Motorway: The Hakla-Yarik section is affected by law-and-order restrictions in both directions.
- M-2 Islamabad-bound traffic: Entry of heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) from Kot Momin towards Islamabad remains closed. Other traffic may be affected by additional restrictions and diversions.
- N-5 GT Road: Traffic restrictions have also been reported around Attock Khurd, affecting an important route between northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Motorists should check the NHMP advisory immediately before departure because the status of individual routes and diversions can change during the day.
Islamabad airport: Special traffic update for passengers here
Passengers travelling to Islamabad International Airport are advised to allow substantially more time for their journey, particularly those travelling from Rawalpindi, Taxila, Attock or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The closure of the M-1 and restrictions on routes connecting Islamabad with northern areas may affect normal travel times.
Passengers should:
- Leave for the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure.
- Check the latest motorway and traffic situation before leaving.
- Keep an alternative route in mind.
- Expect possible delays near major entry points and security checkpoints.
- Follow instructions from Islamabad Traffic Police and security personnel.
Islamabad: These roads are closed for traffic today
Traffic conditions inside Islamabad may change quickly because of heightened security arrangements and restrictions around major entry points.
Areas where motorists may face restrictions or diversions include:
- Faizabad and Murree Road
- 26 Number Chowk and Tarnol
- Red Zone entry points
- Routes connecting Islamabad with Taxila and Attock
- Other major approaches to the capital where security barriers or containers have been placed.
Recent reports indicate that authorities have been preparing traffic restrictions around key approaches including Faizabad, Tarnol and other entry points amid planned demonstrations and heightened security.
Motorists should not attempt to cross roadblocks or enter officially closed routes. Restrictions can be introduced or removed at short notice depending on the security situation.
Travel advisory for motorists
Drivers travelling between Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila, Attock and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should verify the latest NHMP and Islamabad Traffic Police updates before starting their journey.
Where possible, non-essential intercity travel towards Taxila, Attock and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be postponed until the situation becomes clearer.
Drivers are also advised to carry their CNIC and driving licence, allow extra travel time and cooperate with traffic police and security personnel at checkpoints.
