Motorways reopened for traffic as normalcy returns

ISLAMABAD: After four days of closures, authorities on Wednesday reopened key motorways and highways across Punjab much to the relief of the commuters.

The Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M2), Lahore-Sialkot Motorway (M11), Motorway M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem, M-14 connecting Hakla and Dera Ismail Khan and M-3 has been fully reopened for traffic, according to the Motorway Police spokesperson.

After the motorways reopened, a great rush of traffic was observed. Several goods trucks that could not make it to their destinations were also on the roads in large numbers.

The Eastern Bypass and Lahore Ring Road have also been restored, ensuring smooth flow for commuters. Lahore’s traffic police confirmed that the city’s entry and exit points, including Thokar Niaz Baig and Shahdara, are operating without disruptions.

Normalcy returns to the capital: roads, shops reopen

Traffic on Murree Road and connecting routes in Rawalpindi is operational, except for certain areas near Faizabad, where security concerns persist.

 In Islamabad, the Kashmir Highway and adjacent roads have also been cleared, with efforts underway to remove remaining obstacles​.

Sections of several motorways as well as bus stands have been closed for four consecutive days in Punjab and Islamabad leaving many travelers stranded.

There were also fears of fuel shortage, due to the current lockdown situation in major Punjab cities and Islamabad.