Kazakh President departs Islamabad tonight: traffic advisory in effect

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued a traffic advisory for residents and commuters due to road diversions associated with the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Prime Minister’s House.

Between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM this evening (Wednesday), diversions will be in place on Expressway, Murree Road, and Club Road, which is expected to increase traffic pressure on Expressway and Faisal Avenue.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes to avoid congestion:

• From Rawalpindi to Islamabad: Rawal Road, 9th Avenue, Faqir Api Road, Srinagar Highway
• From Islamabad to Rawalpindi: Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, 9th Avenue
• From Murree/Bara Kahu to Islamabad: Korang Road, Bani Gala, Park Road, Lahtrar Road
• From Serena/Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi: Park Road, Khanna

The diversions are being implemented as part of heightened security arrangements for President Tokayev, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for his first state visit to Pakistan.

Earlier today, President Tokayev was warmly received at the Prime Minister’s House by PM Shehbaz Sharif and inspected a guard of honour before planting a sapling symbolising friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

During his visit, President Tokayev is engaging in high-level meetings, including talks with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussions focus on strengthening bilateral relations, trade, investment, regional connectivity, and broader diplomatic cooperation. Several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed during the visit, highlighting Pakistan’s growing engagement with Central Asia.

Commuters are urged to plan their routes carefully and allow extra travel time during the evening hours.