The federal capital remains under lockdown for a second consecutive day as Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) protest march continues its advance from Lahore towards Islamabad, prompting widespread road closures, travel disruptions, and heightened security.
Authorities have sealed all major entry points into Islamabad via the M-2 Motorway, spanning from Kalar Kahar to the capital, as part of precautionary measures.
Key interchanges at Chakri, Kala Shah Kaku, Fateh Jang, Islamabad Zero Point, and the M-1/M-2 junction (connecting Peshawar traffic) have been closed to the public.
Read: Security measures disrupt daily life in Rawalpindi
Additional traffic disruptions have been reported on several key highways beyond the M-2 corridor. These include the M-4 Multan–Faisalabad Toll Road, the M-3 Lahore–Abdul Hakeem Motorway, the M-11 Lahore–Sialkot Motorway, and the N-5 (GT Road) near Muridke, where the protest convoy was last reported.
Commuters using these routes are experiencing significant delays, with authorities advising the public to seek alternate routes and avoid non-essential travel.
The National Highways and Motorway Police have urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel toward the capital and delay travel from central and southern Punjab until further notice. Alternative routes are being recommended for intercity travelers.
Inside Islamabad, containers and barricades have been placed at major intersections, particularly around the Red Zone and other sensitive areas.
Read more: Islamabad issues traffic diversion plan for Faizabad
Traffic within the twin cities has been slowed significantly, and reports suggest partial suspension of mobile internet services in select sectors to limit coordination among demonstrators.
Police reinforcements were dispatched overnight from Islamabad to reinforce security along the capital’s outer perimeter.
Although the federal government has not announced a timeline for lifting restrictions, officials say that normal traffic flow will only resume once the protest is either dispersed or diverted.
