ISLAMABAD: In anticipation of the Jumma-tul-Wida prayers and the Al-Quds rally scheduled for Friday, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) have implemented a wide-ranging traffic management plan involving multiple road closures throughout the city. These measures primarily target the sensitive Red Zone area, where heightened security protocols are in place to ensure public safety and smooth event proceedings. Commuters have been strongly advised to carefully plan their travel routes and avoid unnecessary journeys during the day to minimize congestion and disruptions.
the detailed advisory released by the ITP, Margalla Road will serve as the sole open access route to the Red Zone, while all other internal roads within this high-security perimeter will remain sealed off. This decision underscores the authorities’ commitment to maintaining strict control over movement in the capital’s administrative heart, which houses key government offices and diplomatic missions. The closure of these roads is expected to significantly impact daily traffic flow, prompting motorists to seek alternative pathways.
In addition to the Red Zone restrictions, the authorities have announced a complete shutdown of all roads leading to and from Iran Avenue, further tightening security in adjacent sectors. Several major thoroughfares across Islamabad will also experience temporary closures, including the Chand Tara Flyover on Srinagar Highway, which leads directly to Serena Chowk. This flyover is a vital artery for commuters, and its closure will likely cause delays and require drivers to reroute through less direct paths.
Moreover, Suhrawardy Road in the Aabpara area will be entirely closed to both inbound and outbound traffic, adding to the list of affected routes. Other key corridors facing full closures include the stretch from Recep Tayyip Erdogan Flyover to Jinnah Avenue, Kulsoom Plaza Chowk to Seventh Avenue Bridge, Fazal-e-Haq Road to Geo Chowk, and Haji Camp Chowk to Islamabad Chowk. These strategic points are crucial for connectivity within the city, and their temporary suspension is part of the broader effort to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incidents during the rally.
Additional restrictions extend to IJP Road towards Gundam Gomada, which will be closed starting from Faqir Api Road. The service road connecting NESCOM to the I-10 Sector, as well as the I-8 Double Road linking to IJP Road, will also be fully inaccessible. Meanwhile, Club Road from Rawal Dam Chowk to Kashmir Chowk and Park Road from Shahzad Town to Musharraf Chowk will experience partial closures, with only one side of these roads remaining open to traffic. These measures collectively aim to streamline vehicle movement and enhance security coverage across the capital.
Authorities have urged residents and commuters to remain patient and cooperative during this period, recommending the use of alternative routes wherever possible. Motorists are also encouraged to allocate extra travel time to accommodate potential delays caused by the closures. To assist the public, the Islamabad Traffic Police have made real-time updates available through their helpline numbers 15 and 1915, as well as their dedicated FM radio channel, 92.4, which broadcasts continuous traffic information and advisories.
These extensive traffic restrictions reflect the government’s proactive approach to managing large-scale public gatherings and ensuring the safety of Islamabad’s citizens and visitors. With the city preparing to host significant religious and political events, the coordinated efforts between traffic authorities and law enforcement agencies are crucial to maintaining order and preventing any disruptions. Commuters are advised to stay informed and comply with all directives issued by the police throughout the day.
