Islamabad on High Alert: Major Roads, Transport Routes to Be Closed Ahead of PTI’s November 24 Protest

Islamabad:In preparation for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s planned protest on November 24, the Islamabad administration has announced a series of security measures aimed at maintaining law and order. Key roads, including motorways, transport terminals, and important city entry points, will be closed in a bid to control the situation and prevent large-scale disruptions.

In a notification issued by the Islamabad Transport Authority, all transport terminals in the capital have been ordered to shut down by 8 PM on Friday, ahead of the protest. The authority has instructed terminal owners to seal their facilities by setting up barricades and canopies to prevent any movement. Additionally, all hostels in Islamabad have been directed to close, in anticipation of the unrest.

**Motorways Closed for Traffic**

The Motorway Police have also issued a notification announcing that several key motorways will be closed due to maintenance work, starting Friday night at 8 PM. The closures include:

– **M-1 (Peshawar to Islamabad)**
– **M-2 (Lahore to Islamabad)**
– **M-3 (Lahore to Abdul Hakeem)**
– **M-4 (Pindi Bhattian to Multan)**
– **M-11 (Sialkot to Lahore)**
– **M-14 (Dera Ismail Khan to Hakla)**

These highways will remain closed for all traffic until further notice. The authorities have urged the public to avoid these routes and take alternative roads.

**GT Road Blocked and Public Transport Disrupted**

Meanwhile, in the vicinity of Gujranwala, the **Wazirabad Chenab Toll Plaza** on the **GT Road** has been closed with containers placed at both ends, preventing any traffic from proceeding toward Islamabad. Public transport services to the capital have also been partially suspended.

**Red Zone Sealed and Section 144 Imposed**

The Islamabad administration is taking further steps to secure the capital, with plans to completely seal off the **Red Zone**, where key government institutions and foreign embassies are located. The imposition of **Section 144** in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi is also in effect, prohibiting any large gatherings or public assemblies.

To bolster security, approximately 2,200 additional containers have been deployed in Islamabad. Furthermore, to prevent any protestors or marchers from entering the city, authorities have decided to close **24 entry points** into Islamabad, with heavy police presence and strict surveillance at all internal and external routes.

The increased security measures come in response to the expected PTI protest, as the government aims to prevent any potential disruptions to public order and maintain control during the planned demonstration.