Islamabad is witnessing significant traffic disruptions today as authorities have imposed comprehensive restrictions across the city to bolster security protocols. The Islamabad Traffic Police have confirmed that access to the sensitive Red Zone area will be heavily regulated, with only Margalla Road remaining open for entry. All other routes leading into this high-security zone have been sealed off to control movement and ensure safety.
The decision to limit access comes amid heightened security concerns, prompting officials to close several key roads and intersections throughout the federal capital. Notably, all entry and exit points along Iran Avenue have been shut down, effectively cutting off a major thoroughfare. Additionally, the stretch from Chand Tara Flyover to Srinagar Highway via Serena Chowk has been completely blocked, preventing any vehicular passage through this critical corridor.
Further complicating the traffic situation, the road connecting Aabpara to Shahrah-e-Suhrawardy remains inaccessible to commuters. Other important closures include the route from Recep Tayyip Erdogan Flyover to Jinnah Avenue, as well as Kulthum Plaza Chowk, Seventh Avenue Bridge, Fazal Haq Road, and Geo Chowk. These closures are part of a broader strategy to minimize congestion and maintain order during the heightened security period.
Authorities have also restricted movement between Haji Camp Chowk and Islamabad Chowk, while a section of IJP Road—from Wheat Godown to Faqir EP Road—has been closed to traffic. Moreover, the service road connecting Nescam to sector I-10 is not operational today. Partial closures are in effect on Club Road, specifically from Rawal Dam Chowk to Kashmir Chowk, and on Park Road between Shehzad Town and Musharraf Chowk, where traffic flow is being managed carefully to avoid bottlenecks.
In light of these extensive restrictions, the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration has declared a general holiday for all educational institutions on March 13. This includes government and private schools, colleges, and universities across the city. The notification, issued by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, aims to reduce unnecessary travel and ease pressure on the city’s transport network during this period of restricted movement.
Residents have been strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel and to seek alternative routes wherever possible. Law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring the situation and have urged the public to cooperate fully with traffic officials to minimize inconvenience. These measures reflect the authorities’ commitment to maintaining security and public safety in the capital amid ongoing challenges.
