All motorways and GT Road closed ahead of protest

Ahead of PTI protest, Motorway Police have announced the closure of all motorways on Friday, citing maintenance work as the official reason, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Major motorways, including Peshawar to Islamabad, Lahore to Islamabad, and Pindi Bhattian to Multan, Sialkot to Lahore M11 and M14 from Dera Ismail Khan to Hakla, will remain completely closed indefinitely until further notice, said Motorway Police in a statement. 

Police sources say the motorways will be closed in view of the law and order situation, and in case of any closure, vehicle entry will be banned on the motorway. Vehicle entry on the motorway will be approved by the local administration, the sources added. 

GT Road has been closed at the Chenab Toll Plaza, with containers placed on both sides to block access. Public transport facilities to Islamabad have also been partially suspended in the region. In Lahore, police have sent an official request to the Commandant of Ring Road, urging its complete closure on November 23 and 24 from 8am to 6pm in view of the departure of PTI convoys from Lahore to Islamabad. The police highlights fears of protests or law-and-order issues even before the PTI convoy leaves the city for Islamabad. Officials believe “malicious elements” could disrupt law and order, necessitating the need for Ring Road to be completely closed to maintain order, the letter stated. 

In response to the PTI call for a protest, authorities have announced comprehensive measures, including sealing 24 key locations in the city and deploying heavy contingents of police forces. All the entry and exit routes of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, will be sealed with containers. The Islamabad Transport Authority has ordered the closure of all transport terminals starting at 8pm tonight, with orders to seal bus terminals with tents. Moreover, there will be strict surveillance and heavy police presence on all entry and exit routes. Containers have been brought into the city and will be placed strategically on major roads and entry points to block access to the protest site. 

Containers will be placed on Murree Road to block entry into Islamabad, as well as at Rawat's T Chowk, on the entry route from Faizabad to Islamabad, on No 26 Chungi and Srinagar Highway, New Margalla Road Iran Avenue, in Sector I-8, IJP Double Road and Margalla Road, and at Sangjani, Sector G-11 Chowk, Golra Mor Flyover and Underpass. The authorities have also decided to seal the Red Zone entirely if the situation escalates during the protest. More than 2,200 containers have been brought to Islamabad, and additional personnel have been called in to bolster security. Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, banning public gatherings and protests in both cities. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has categorically stated that no march or sit-in will be permitted in Islamabad, and emphasised that the Islamabad High Court's directives will be strictly enforced.

Reporter: Tayyab Saif