The federal government imposed a complete traffic ban on the Peshawar Motorway (M-1) starting at 11:00pm on Wednesday, September 23, until further orders, as part of precautionary security measures ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march toward Islamabad. Authorities shut down key routes linking Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to the federal capital to prevent protesting caravans from reaching the region, while the M-2 Motorway connecting Islamabad and Lahore remained open to all traffic.
Motorway Closures and Traffic Restrictions
Motorists were advised to plan their journeys in accordance with traffic advisories and strictly follow directions issued by traffic police. Meanwhile, the M-2 Motorway remained open to all types of traffic, offering an alternative route while the M-1 closure remained in effect until further notice.
Did You Know? Referring to the upcoming demonstration as a “Test match” instead of a “T20,” PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi previously indicated that the opposition faction anticipates a long-haul campaign.
Internal PTI Strategy Divisions
Ahead of the planned September 27 march, PTI leadership held a parliamentary party meeting at the chief minister’s residence in Peshawar to consult lawmakers and office-bearers. Party sources reported that internal divisions emerged during the two-hour meeting over whether to move directly toward the capital or stage sit-ins along the Punjab border first. Organizers discussed staging demonstrations at Nathia Gali, Khushalgarh in Kohat, Haripur, the Attock Bridge, and close to Hazro along the motorway, ahead of a potential advance toward Islamabad during the initial week of October.
However, several lawmakers and party leaders opposed confining the protest solely to sit-ins, arguing that the convoy should proceed directly toward Islamabad on September 27. Because the meeting failed to reach a consensus, party sources indicated that another meeting would be held on September 25 to finalize the protest strategy. Despite the ongoing debate, leadership decided to launch the march from Peshawar on September 27, with a convoy led by Chief Minister Afridi expected to travel along the Grand Trunk Road to Attock.
Government Response and Early Assessments
The federal government moved to close parts of Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi alongside the M-1 traffic ban. PTI representatives pointed to these widespread barricades as an early success for their protest campaign, arguing that the administrative lockdown demonstrates the impact of their mobilization efforts even before the march officially begins. Further details regarding the onward journey from Attock to Islamabad are expected following the party’s scheduled consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the M-1 Motorway close?
The Peshawar Motorway (M-1) closed to all types of traffic at 11:00pm on Wednesday, September 23, and will remain shut until further orders.
What is PTI’s current plan for the September 27 march?
Organizers discussed staging demonstrations at Nathia Gali, Khushalgarh in Kohat, Haripur, the Attock Bridge, and close to Hazro along the motorway, ahead of a potential advance toward Islamabad during the initial week of October. However, some lawmakers have pushed for a direct advance on the capital on September 27, and the party planned to finalize its strategy in a meeting on September 25.
Which motorway remains open during the closures?
The M-2 Motorway connecting Islamabad and Lahore remains open to all types of traffic.
How will these extended motorway closures and shifting protest strategies impact political stability in the region in the coming weeks?
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