PESHAWAR: Major transport arteries linking Islamabad and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were reopened on Monday after authorities eased security restrictions imposed ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march on the federal capital.

The M-1 expressway between Islamabad and Peshawar has been reopened for traffic in both directions, while the N-5 Grand Trunk Road has also been restored, the National Highways and Expressway Police (NHMP) said.

The decision to push back the PTI’s march from September 27 to October 4 was taken, prompting authorities to start removing containers, metal barriers and other obstructions placed along key routes.

The work on the M-14 Expressway between Hakla and Kundal and the link road from M-1 to Hazara Expressway, however, continued with restoration work.

Motorists coming from Islamabad toward Abbottabad were advised to take the M-1 at Burhan Interchange and use the GT Road through Hassan Abdal to join the Hazara Expressway at Jhary Kas Interchange.

Several major roads had been closed last week due to security and law-and-order concerns. The M-14 was also affected while some sections of the M-2 and N-5 were restricted. The E-35 Hazara Expressway was also affected.

The closures caused disruption to traffic and commercial activities in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and parts of northern Punjab, with transport terminals reporting a fall in business. Hotels, motels, marriage halls, and private hostels also suffered huge business losses, transporters said.

With the reopening of key routes, traffic is gradually beginning to return to normal. However, with the scheduled PTI march on October 4, the authorities may continue to monitor the situation and adjust the security arrangements accordingly.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)