M-1 motorway reopens after major security shutdown

The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) has been reopened to traffic in both directions after remaining closed for several days amid heightened security measures linked to a planned political protest.

The National Highways and Motorway Police said on Monday that the M-1 was now open for all types of traffic. The Islamabad-Peshawar section had been shut last week as authorities prepared for a planned PTI march towards Islamabad.

The march was originally scheduled for September 27 but was later postponed until October 4. The political activity had prompted increased security measures along major roads connecting Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The N-5, commonly known as the GT Road, between Islamabad and Peshawar has also been reopened. However, restoration work is still continuing on parts of the M-14 motorway between Hakla and Kundal, as well as on the connecting loop between the M-1 and Hazara Motorway.

Motorway police said travellers heading from Islamabad towards Abbottabad can use an alternative route. Motorists can leave the M-1 at Burhan Interchange, travel through Hasan Abdal on the GT Road and then rejoin the Hazara Expressway at Jhuri Kas Interchange.

The M-1 had earlier been closed between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange, while the M-14 was shut between Hakla and Kundal. A section of the GT Road at Attock Khurd was also blocked.

Security had been tightened in Attock, with containers and sandbags placed at important bridges. Authorities also increased security at major entry and exit points in anticipation of the PTI protest.

PTI has announced plans for a march from Peshawar to Islamabad on October 4. The party has been demanding the release of its founder Imran Khan, who is being held at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, authorities have introduced additional security restrictions ahead of the planned protest. Punjab has imposed restrictions on public gatherings for 13 days, while Section 144 remains in force in Islamabad for two months.

The Punjab government has also requested restrictions on mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock. Rangers have additionally been deployed in Islamabad and several Punjab districts as part of the security arrangements.