Various sections of motorway shut ahead of PTI public rally

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) on Friday notified to shut various sections of motorway for what it said maintenance from 8pm, November 22, till further notice.

The updates related to the motorways maintenance will be shared accordingly, the notice said.

In the notification, the NHMP has urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel for their own safety.

The notice highlighted that the closure-list of the motorways includes M1 (Peshawar to Islamabad), M2 (Lahore to Islamabad), M3 (Lahore to Abdul Hakeem), M4 (Pindi Bhattian to Multan), M11 (Sialkot to Lahore) and M14 (DI-Khan to Hakla).

A spokesperson for the NHMP advised commutors to contact the NHUMP on helpline number 130 in case of queries.

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Moreover, travelers can also obtain updates related to the motorways maintenance from the social media platform, the notice said.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also enforced Section 144 across the province ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest in Islamabad on November 24.

A notification issued by the Punjab Home Department banned all protests, rallies, processions, gatherings, sit-ins, and similar activities for three days, from November 23 to November 25.

The move follows a recommendation from the 18th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, which cited concerns over the potential targeting of public gatherings by terrorists.

The notification said that the decision aims to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of lives and property.

Separately, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema also imposed Section 144 in the city effective until November 26 to prevent unrest near Adiala jail. The decision was made during an intelligence committee meeting chaired by the deputy commissioner, addressing potential security challenges in the area.

These measures come ahead of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s call for a “final protest” against the PML-N-led government. Protesters from across the country, including Punjab, are expected to join the march on Islamabad to demand the government’s ouster.