ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Amid growing security concerns over protests, the Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province, including Rawalpindi, for 10 days.
The Federal Government has also sealed off the Red Zone in Islamabad due to the same concerns. The traffic police have also issued road closures and diversions updates to facilitate denizens in the twin cities.
The decision of Section 144 comes in response to anticipated demonstrations and potential disruptions in various cities. According to the official notification, a ban has been enforced on public gatherings, the display of weapons, and the use of loudspeakers. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to maintain law and order.
In the federal capital, the Islamabad Red Zone has been completely sealed to prevent the entry of protestors. Containers have been placed at all main entry points, including Serena Chowk, Nadra Chowk, Express Chowk, and Marriott Chowk, effectively shutting off all access.
All gates leading into the Red Zone have been blocked, and only cardholders will be allowed entry.
The Islamabad Police, along with Rangers, have been deployed across the capital, particularly at entry and exit routes. Security personnel are stationed at critical junctions, with containers and barriers ready to be deployed further if needed.
Traffic Diversions & Road Closure
Completely Closed Roads
- Sarina Chowk, Express Chowk, Nadra Chowk and Marriott Chowk closed.
- Murree Road, Faizabad bus stand closed.
- Rawal Dam Chowk to Saddar Rawalpindi is closed.
- Saddar Rawalpindi to Rawal Dam Chowk closed.
- IJP to Rawal Dam closed.
- The Naz cinema road is closed.
Open Roads
- Sohan Mor to IJP
- Islamabad Expressway (with restricted access; only one vehicle allowed at a time.
A comprehensive traffic diversion plan has been issued by the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) for October 10, particularly around the Faizabad Interchange, a key junction between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Heavy Traffic Diversions:
- Traffic from Lahore is redirected from Rawat T-cross to Rawalpindi.
- Traffic from Peshawar via GT Road is redirected to the Motorway and Rawalpindi from Chungi No. 26.
- Traffic from Murree rerouted from Rawal Dam Chowk to Park Road, Lehtrar Road, and Expressway.
Light Traffic Diversions:
- Faizabad-bound traffic from Rawal Dam Chowk is diverted from both sides.
- Travelers from Bhara Kahu, Murree, and Islamabad going to Rawalpindi are advised to use Park Road, Taramri Chowk, Lehtrar Road, Khanna, and Expressway.
- Travelers heading to the airport should use Kashmir Chowk and Srinagar Highway.
- There will be a diversion for traffic from both sides of the Garden Flyover to Faizabad.
- Residents of I-8 should use Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Club Road, Rawal Dam Chowk, to Park Road.
- There will be a traffic diversion from both sides of Khanna Bridge along Faizabad Expressway.
- Those coming to Islamabad from Koral should use Khanna Pul, Lehtrar Road, Captain Naeem Tufail Shaheed Chowk (Taramari Chowk), Park Road and Rawal Dam Chowk.
- Those coming from IJP Road via Gohar Shaheed Chowk (Gandam Godam Chowk to Faqir Api Road) should use Srinagar Highway.
- From CDA Double Road via I-10 Service Road, you can go to 9th Avenue and Srinagar Highway, and similarly from IJP Road via 9th Avenue, Srinagar Highway.
- Those going to the Express Highway from Zero Point should use the Srinagar Highway, Rawal Dam Chowk, Park Road, Lehtrar Road, and Khanna Pul Express Highway.
- Those traveling from Islamabad to Rawalpindi via Faisal Avenue should use Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, and Avenue 9.
- Residents of F8, F9, F10, F11, G10, G11, and other sectors can use the Srinagar Highway via Golra Mor to commute to Rawalpindi.
The public is advised to stay updated through official traffic and police communication channels and avoid unnecessary travel, especially around Faizabad, the Red Zone, and connecting roads between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
