ISLAMABAD/LAHORE – Authorities have sealed major roads and transport routes across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad after a religious group announced a protest rally, sparking severe traffic disruptions and security measures across Punjab and the capital region.
The Lahore–Islamabad Motorway and GT Road have been partially blocked with containers, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Entry points into Lahore, including Babu Sabu and Thokar Niaz Baig, have been closed, while all routes leading into Islamabad via the motorway are now fully sealed.
In Gujrat, the Chenab River Bridge has also been shut down, further affecting intercity travel. The Orange Line Train service in Lahore has been temporarily suspended for safety reasons, adding to the public transport crisis. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, both Metro Bus and electric bus services have been halted.
Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel as key roads including Muridke, Channab Nagar, and Gujrat routes remain blocked. Due to escalating tensions, all public and private schools in Lahore were closed early at 11 AM, while the University of Punjab also canceled all exams scheduled for Friday. New exam dates will be announced later.
The Punjab government has enforced Section 144, banning public gatherings of four or more people for the next ten days. The order excludes religious activities, weddings, and funerals but imposes a strict prohibition on displaying weapons in public.
The Interior Ministry directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi starting midnight, with no timeline for restoration. The Islamabad High Court Bar Association reported that road closures have prevented many lawyers from reaching court, requesting that no adverse orders be issued in their absence.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Traffic Police released a diversion plan, rerouting vehicles from 26 Number Chowk, Rawat, and Faizabad to alternate paths. Heavy vehicles have been banned from entering Islamabad on October 10, with designated detour routes in place. Security forces have increased deployment across both cities, supported by aerial surveillance to monitor potential unrest. Officials stated that additional measures could be implemented if the situation escalates further.