The Motorway Police have announced the closure of all major motorways starting tonight at 8 pm for maintenance work. However, reports suggest these closures might also be related to expected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in Lahore and Islamabad.
Key routes like Peshawar to Islamabad, Lahore to Islamabad and several others will be closed indefinitely, as per the Motorway Police. The police have indicated that these closures are precautionary due to the potential law and order disruptions.
Additionally, police sources have noted that vehicle entry on these motorways will require local administration approval during the closure period.
Concurrently, in anticipation of the protests, the deputy commissioner’s orders have ordered all Islamabad hostels to remain shut until November 27. In Wazirabad, GT Road has been blocked at the Chenab Toll Plaza, and public transport to Islamabad has been partially suspended.
In Lahore, the police have requested the closure of Ring Road on November 23 and 24 to manage the movement of PTI convoys from Lahore to Islamabad. This preemptive action is due to concerns about potential protests and disruptions before the convoy’s departure.
All entry and exit points of Islamabad, especially the Red Zone, will be barricaded with containers. The Islamabad Transport Authority has also halted operations at all transport terminals starting tonight, securing these areas with tents.
Read: Section 144 Enforced in Punjab Ahead of PTI Protest
Authorities are prepared to seal the Red Zone if the protest escalates completely. Over 2,200 containers have been deployed in Islamabad, and additional security personnel have been summoned to maintain order.
