PTI, JI protest: Alternate traffic plan for Islamabad-Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic police has devised an alternate traffic plan as the residents of twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, are experiencing significant problems and confusion due to traffic disruptions, blockages, partial road closures, and the placement of containers on major roads due to the protest calls by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) parties.

Section 144 has also been imposed in the federal capital as well as Rawalpindi.

The authorities have blocked several main avenues by placing large containers to prevent protesters from reaching key areas, resulting in traffic jams and commuter frustration. Red Zone has been completely sealed while the Islamabad Expressway at Faizabad, the main entry point from Rawalpindi to Islamabad has been blocked by placing containers from both sides

The unexpected roadblocks have left many residents in a state of disarray, struggling to navigate the city’s already congested roads.

Commuters are facing long delays, and public transport has been severely affected.

Islamabad traffic police has issued a traffic plan highlighting the alternate routes for commuters to use to avoid inconvenience.

Citizens are instructed to use the Rawalpindi Sadar route if Rawat Road is closed. Use the motorway if Peshawar GT Road is closed.

Section 144 imposed across Punjab, Islamabad ahead of PTI’s protest

If Srinagar Highway G14 is closed, citizens should use Peshawar Road, GT Road, and Colonel Sher Khan Road. If Faizabad is closed use Shahri Park Road and for Zero-Point closure use Faisal Avenue and Jinnah Avenue. If Serena Chowk is closed use 7 Avenue and for Embassy Road closure use Shaheed Millat Road, according to the traffic plan due to PTI, JI protest.

Local businesses, especially those located along the blocked routes, are also feeling the pinch. Shopkeepers report a significant drop in foot traffic and sales, with some choosing to close early due to the chaos.

PTI announced nationwide protests on Friday for the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan. PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who leads the opposition alliance known as Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), also announced a major protest for the release of political prisoners on Friday, with support from JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) also set to hold its Islamabad sit-in on Friday demanding a reduction in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of slab system for power tariffs, and review of agreements with independent power producers.