Islamabad police have announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for Sunday evening ahead of the Marka-i-Haq event, which will be attended by Pakistan’s top civilian and military leaders. The authorities are preparing for significant road closures, flight disruptions, and enhanced security arrangements across the capital.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon stated that temporary traffic restrictions will be enforced from 6 pm to midnight on May 7 along several key routes in Islamabad to facilitate the commemorative ceremony. The event is set to take place at the National Monument near Zero Point and commemorates Pakistan’s victory in last year’s military confrontation with India, following the April 22 Pahalgam attack and Pakistan’s subsequent Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Residents have been urged to limit unnecessary travel during peak hours and to cooperate with traffic officials to maintain smooth traffic flow. Srinagar Highway will be closed in both directions from Korianwala Chowk to Peshawar Mor during the specified hours, while the Islamabad Expressway from Faizabad to Khayaban Chowk will be shut for traffic heading towards Faisal Avenue.
Commuters traveling from the Motorway towards Murree and Bhara Kahu are advised to use 9th Avenue and Colonel Sher Khan Road (IJP Road) via Murree Road. Conversely, those coming from Murree and Bhara Kahu towards the Motorway should take Murree Road, Faizabad, IJP Road, and 9th Avenue. Alternative routes have also been provided for those moving between Islamabad’s Red Zone, adjacent sectors, and Rawalpindi.
Traffic from the Motorway to the Red Zone should use Margalla Road or Jinnah Avenue via 9th Avenue from Peshawar Mor. Similarly, commuters traveling from the Red Zone towards Rawalpindi or the Motorway are encouraged to use these alternate corridors. Vehicles entering Islamabad from the Expressway will be diverted through Faizabad, IJP Road, and 9th Avenue.
For travelers coming from Rawalpindi into Islamabad, IJP Road, Fakhar-i-Alam Road, and 9th Avenue have been designated as alternative routes. Residents of Rawalpindi’s Scheme-III and Ammar Chowk areas will have access to the Red Zone, Murree, and Bhara Kahu via Rawal Road, Chandni Chowk, Murree Road, and Club Road.
Additional diversions have been outlined for those heading towards Rawat and Koral Chowk. Traffic from Murree and Bhara Kahu will be rerouted through Korang Road, Bani Gala, Park Road, and Lehtrar Road, while motorists traveling from Peshawar Mor towards Rawat are advised to use 9th Avenue, Stadium Double Road, and Rawal Road.
All light transport vehicles (LTVs) will be redirected from Rawat T-Cross towards Rawalpindi from 5 pm until midnight on Sunday. Furthermore, entry of all heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) into Islamabad will be completely prohibited from 4 am until midnight on May 10.
These security and traffic measures come a day after Islamabad and Rawalpindi residents witnessed Pakistan Air Force fighter jet rehearsals over the capital in preparation for the ceremony. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority has issued a notice warning of potential flight disruptions at Islamabad International Airport from Friday through Sunday due to operational reasons.
The Marka-i-Haq event officially commemorates last year’s conflict with India, triggered by the Pahalgam attack and culminating in a ceasefire on May 10 after several days of cross-border military engagement.
