Major motorways linking Islamabad with KP and northern Punjab remain closed under fresh NHMP advisory

Several major highways and motorways connecting Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab remain closed

ISLAMABAD: Several major highways and motorways connecting Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab remain closed or subject to restrictions following a fresh travel advisory issued by the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP).

According to the advisory issued on Friday, September 25, the restrictions were initially imposed at 11:00pm on September 23 and will remain in place until further orders. Authorities have cited the prevailing law and order situation as the reason for the restrictions.

The M-1 Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway remains closed in both directions between Swabi and the Islamabad Toll Plaza. Southbound traffic is being diverted from Swabi Interchange, while several interchanges along the affected stretch, including Fateh Jang, Tarnol, Sangjani, Burhan and Chhachh, are affected by the restrictions.

The E-35 Hazara Motorway is also closed in both directions from Jhari Kas to Burhan. An additional lane restriction has been imposed near Akhoon Bandi because of ongoing road work.

Similarly, the M-14 CPEC Motorway connecting Islamabad with Dera Ismail Khan has been closed in both directions from Hakla to Yarik/Kundal. Major interchanges on the affected section, including Hakla, Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb, Tarap, Daud Khel, Kot Balian and Isa Khel, remain closed.

Restrictions have also been reported on the N-5 Grand Trunk Road at Attock Khurd, an important crossing connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab.

On the M-2, Islamabad-bound heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) are restricted from Kot Momin. Light transport vehicles (LTVs) may continue to use the route, subject to local security restrictions. The Lahore-Islamabad section of the M-2 remains available as a major motorway link, although travelers have been advised to check the latest security situation before departure.

The latest closures come amid heightened security arrangements in and around Islamabad ahead of a planned political gathering on September 27. Authorities have cited law and order concerns while implementing preventive security measures.

Containers and sandbags have reportedly been positioned at key crossings, including Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge. A significant security deployment has also been made in Attock district, an important transit area connecting KP, northern Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.

The Islamabad High Court has also addressed restrictions on movement during protests, directing authorities to ensure that citizens’ fundamental rights, including access to hospitals and educational institutions, are not unnecessarily affected. A petition has meanwhile been filed before the court challenging motorway closures without written notification and seeking access for emergency services, lawyers, patients and funeral processions.

Within Islamabad, internal roads remain operational, although security arrangements are tight. Traffic conditions may change rapidly at sensitive locations, including Faizabad and Murree Road, 26 Number Chungi/Tarnol, Rawat T-Chowk, Red Zone entry points and routes connecting Taxila and Attock.

Islamabad International Airport remains operational. However, passengers traveling from Rawalpindi, Taxila, Attock and KP have been advised to allow additional travel time and confirm the latest route conditions before leaving.

Commuters have been advised to postpone non-essential travel toward Taxila, Attock and KP where possible, check NHMP helpline 130 and official police updates, carry original identification and driving documents, and follow instructions issued by traffic and security personnel.

Authorities have also warned travelers not to attempt to cross barricades or enter closed routes. As road conditions remain subject to change at short notice, commuters are advised to rely on the latest official advisories when planning their journeys.