What will be the new Islamabad traffic plan as the anticipated sit-in approaches? Today is September 24, 2026, and authorities are rapidly locking down the capital ahead of the planned September 27 political long march.
Law enforcement agencies are heavily fortifying the twin cities. They are not merely placing shipping containers… The authorities are actively digging trenches to block key entry points and halt advancing convoys. If you plan to travel, you must understand the immediate changes and anticipated blockages.
Which Motorways & Routes Are Already Closed?
The crackdown on intercity travel is already in full effect. Authorities have completely shut down the Peshawar Motorway (M-1). Consequently, traffic cannot move in either direction between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and the Chachh Interchange.
Here is the current status of major highways connecting to the capital:
| Route / Highway | Current Traffic Status | Affected Sections |
| M-1 (Peshawar Motorway) | Closed | Islamabad Toll Plaza to Chachh (Starts at Haroon Bridge) |
| M-14 (CPEC Motorway) | Closed | Hakla to Kundal (Starts at Kani Bridge) |
| E-35 (Hazara Motorway) | Closed | Blocked at Hazara Interlink near Burhan |
| N-5 (GT Road) | Closed | Blocked completely at Attock Khurd |
| Rawalpindi-Kohat Road | Closed | Blocked at Khushal Garh |
What is the Anticipated Islamabad Traffic Plan?
Currently, major local roads and the Metrobus service inside Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain operational. However, residents must prepare for severe anticipated blockages as the sit-in draws closer.
Authorities have positioned shipping containers at strategic staging grounds. You should expect sudden closures at Faizabad, the Islamabad Expressway, Murree Road, Srinagar Highway, Ninth Avenue, and the Red Zone. Furthermore, the newly dug trenches will physically sever specific access paths. Over 22,000 security personnel currently patrol Islamabad. Additionally, the Punjab government has enforced Section 144, strictly banning any gathering of five or more people.
How Is This Impacting Daily Life & Travel?
The heightened security matrix severely disrupts daily routines. Transport operators warn passengers that bus terminals may shut down entirely after 8 PM tonight. As a result, several operators have already canceled evening departures toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Meanwhile, travelers trying to reach the Islamabad Airport currently find themselves stranded without viable alternative routes.
The unrest also affects the education sector. Major institutions, including HITEC University Taxila and COMSATS University Islamabad (Wah and Attock campuses), have suspended physical operations and shifted classes online. Always contact your transport operator or educational institution directly before leaving your home.
