M-1 Motorway Closed Indefinitely Ahead of PTI Islamabad March
PESHAWAR: The M-1 Motorway connecting Peshawar with Islamabad has been closed to traffic until further notice as authorities introduce precautionary measures ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest planned for September 27.
According to the traffic advisory, the M-1 will remain closed to all types of traffic from 11pm on Wednesday, September 23, with motorists advised to avoid the route until further instructions.
The M-2 Motorway between Islamabad and Lahore will remain open. Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow instructions issued by traffic authorities.
Meanwhile, PTI is reviewing its strategy for the planned march on Islamabad, with differences reportedly emerging among party leaders over the route and timing of the protest.
Party sources said the leadership has discussed a proposal to hold sit-ins at several locations along the Punjab border on September 27 before moving towards Islamabad in stages. Some lawmakers and party leaders, however, have called for the convoy to proceed towards the federal capital on the same day.
The issue was discussed during a parliamentary party meeting at the chief minister’s residence in Peshawar. Lawmakers and party office-bearers were consulted about arrangements for the planned protest, according to the sources.
The meeting was also briefed on restrictions introduced in parts of Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi. PTI leaders described the measures as an indication of the government’s preparations ahead of the planned demonstration.
Under one proposal, PTI supporters could hold sit-ins at locations including the Attock Bridge, near Hazro on the motorway, Haripur, Khushalgarh in Kohat and Nathia Gali. The party could then consider moving towards Islamabad during the first week of October.
Some lawmakers opposed this approach, arguing that the September 27 protest should involve movement towards Islamabad rather than being limited to sit-ins at different locations.
The meeting continued for around two hours but did not produce a final consensus. Party sources said another meeting is expected on September 25, when the leadership will finalise the protest plan.
PTI leaders, including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and party chairman Barrister Gohar, have previously indicated that the planned campaign could continue for an extended period.
The party has decided to begin its march from Peshawar on September 27, according to the sources. A convoy led by Afridi is expected to travel towards Attock via the Grand Trunk Road, while details of the onward strategy are expected to be announced after the September 25 meeting.
