The M1 Motorway between Islamabad and Peshawar, which was completely closed to all traffic due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in Islamabad, has reopened by police.
The protests caused a complete disruption of ground transportation between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The GT Road was sealed off at the Attock Khurd checkpoint with containers placed on both sides.
A heavy contingent of Rangers, Frontier Corps, and police were deployed at the checkpoint.
Initially, motorway police attributed the closure to heavy fog, stating that the motorway would reopen once visibility improved. However, following the reopening, PTI workers began arriving at the Peshawar toll plaza.
The protests, called for by Imran Khan, have brought business and daily life to a virtual standstill in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Major roads, public transport, and the Faiz Interchange are blocked. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to manage any potential unrest.
Large convoys of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters are departing from various cities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to join protests in Islamabad.
Swat: A large PTI convoy, led by Provincial Minister Fazal Hakeem, has left Swat. The convoy is expected to converge with other groups at the Chakdara Interchange.
Mansehra: Convoys are gathering in Mansehra from various tehsils of the district, including Balakot, Baffa Pakhal, Oghi, and Torghar. The plan is for these convoys to meet at a motorway rest area near Mansehra and then proceed together towards Islamabad via the D-Chowk. A major convergence point for all convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected at Mansehra and the Burhan Interchange.
Nowshera: Roads leading to Islamabad from Nowshera have been blocked with containers. Large containers have also been placed on the Punjab side of the Attock Bridge. A heavy contingent of Punjab Police is deployed at the Attock Bridge, prepared to manage any PTI convoys.
Motorway Toll Plaza: Staff at the motorway toll plaza have reportedly left their posts and gone to the office, anticipating potential disruptions. Vehicles are passing through the toll plaza without paying tolls. Toll plaza staff say they received instructions to evacuate the toll plaza.
