The M1 Motorway, which connects Islamabad and Peshawar, has reopened to traffic after being completely closed due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in Islamabad. The closure had caused significant disruptions to ground transportation between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The GT Road was also sealed off at the Attock Khurd checkpoint, with containers placed on both sides, and a heavy presence of Rangers, Frontier Corps, and police was deployed at the checkpoint.
Initially, motorway police had cited heavy fog as the reason for the closure, stating the motorway would reopen once visibility improved. However, once the motorway was reopened, PTI workers began arriving at the Peshawar toll plaza to join the protests.
The protests, called by PTI Chairman Imran Khan, have severely impacted daily life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with major roads, public transport, and the Faiz Interchange blocked. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to prevent any potential unrest.
PTI Convoys Depart from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Large convoys of PTI supporters have begun their journey from various cities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to join the protests in Islamabad.
- Swat: A large PTI convoy, led by Provincial Minister Fazal Hakeem, has departed from Swat and is expected to converge with other groups at the Chakdara Interchange.
- Mansehra: Convoys from various tehsils in Mansehra, including Balakot, Baffa Pakhal, Oghi, and Torghar, are gathering at a motorway rest area near Mansehra before proceeding to Islamabad via D-Chowk. The Burhan Interchange and Mansehra are expected to be major convergence points for PTI convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Nowshera: Roads leading from Nowshera to Islamabad are blocked with containers, and large containers have been placed on the Punjab side of the Attock Bridge. A heavy contingent of Punjab Police is stationed at the bridge to manage the PTI convoys.
Motorway Toll Plaza Disruptions
At the motorway toll plaza, staff members have reportedly vacated their posts, anticipating potential disruptions. Vehicles are passing through without paying tolls, as staff were instructed to leave the toll plaza.
The situation remains tense as PTI supporters continue to mobilize for the ongoing protests in Islamabad.
