Islamabad, Rawalpindi roads update as PTI protest enters third day

ISLAMABAD: After being paralyzed for two days due to the PTI protest, life in the twin cities ( Islamabad, Rawalpindi) starts coming back to normal with major roads starting to reopen, restoring normalcy to the city.

The M1 and M2 Motorways, which were previously closed, are now open for traffic, while containers have been removed from Murree Roads, with connecting streets expected to open soon.

The Capital city’s main thoroughfares, including the Blue Area and Jinnah Avenue, are now clear, allowing for the smooth flow of traffic.

Moreover, Rawalpindi’s deputy commissioner has confirmed that all barricades and roadblocks have been removed from the city, restoring traffic flow. Both tracks of Murree Road and nearby thoroughfares are now open, with the remaining obstacles being cleared.

The authorities have also cleared all obstacles from the Expressway making it operational for the daily commuters.

Additionally, the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab, has been reopened after a two-day closure. The road has been blocked since Friday, causing significant inconvenience to inter-province commuters and traders.

Double Road, specifically the stadium roadside, is now open for traffic, and 26 No Road has reopened for public use. The route from Brahma Bahatar to the airport is also clear in both directions.

However, 9th Avenue remains closed to traffic. Mobile signals and data services, which were temporarily suspended, have been restored, and users are advised to restart their devices for optimal connectivity.

With the majority of containers removed from Srinagar Highway, staff commuting to Islamabad Airport can now use direct routes, eliminating the need for alternative paths.

The city’s return to normalcy brings relief to residents, commuters, and businesses, marking a welcome end to the disruptions caused by the protest.