--- title: "Security measures intensify in Islamabad ahead of PTI protest" description: "Most outlets led with the deployment of thousands of security personnel and the closure of major access routes to Islamabad ahead of the planned PTI protest on September 27. Several also noted the use of shipping containers at key entry points and described the city as becoming increasingly fortified. The Express Tribune and Arab News Pakistan specifically mentioned the number of security forces (22,000) and the preemptive nature of the measures, while Daily Pakistan (English) described the capital as turning into a \"fortified city.\" Business Recorder and Daily Times included details about the blocking of roads with containers and the identity of the protest as a long march by PTI supporters." url: https://harzaviya.com/stories/10025-peshawar-islamabad-motorway-m-1-to-close-from-11pm site: HarZaviya language: en --- # Security measures intensify in Islamabad ahead of PTI protest pakistan · updated 25 Sep 2026, 11:29 AM PKT · 22–25 Sep 2026 · 29 articles from 15 outlets over 3 developments ## How it developed Newest development first. Each carries its own coverage and, where we have one, our summary of it. ### 24 Sep 2026 — Security measures intensify in Islamabad ahead of PTI protest (6 outlets) > Most outlets led with the deployment of thousands of security personnel and the closure of major access routes to Islamabad ahead of the planned PTI protest on September 27. Several also noted the use of shipping containers at key entry points and described the city as becoming increasingly fortified. The Express Tribune and Arab News Pakistan specifically mentioned the number of security forces (22,000) and the preemptive nature of the measures, while Daily Pakistan (English) described the capital as turning into a "fortified city." Business Recorder and Daily Times included details about the blocking of roads with containers and the identity of the protest as a long march by PTI supporters. - **Pakistan Observer** — [Islamabad entry points sealed with containers ahead of PTI long march](https://pakobserver.net/islamabad-entry-points-sealed-with-containers-ahead-of-pti-long-march/) · 25 Sep 2026, 11:29 AM PKT > ISLAMABAD – The federal capital has been sealed at several entry points with containers ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)… - **Business Recorder** — [Roads blocked around capital ahead of planned PTI protest](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40441143/roads-blocked-around-capital-ahead-of-planned-pti-protest) · 25 Sep 2026, 5:55 AM PKT · 75% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Authorities in capital blocked main access routes to the city with double-stacked shipping containers Thursday ahead of a weekend demonstration by supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Police deployed 22,000 security personnel to lock down Islamabad, officials told AFP, barring entry and exit to neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Khan’s party rules. Key ... - **Arab News Pakistan** — [Pakistan blocks roads around capital ahead of planned pro-Imran Khan protest](https://www.arabnews.pk/pakistan/pakistan-blocks-roads-around-capital-ahead-of-planned-pro-imran-khan-protest-3002234) · 24 Sep 2026, 10:31 PM PKT · 60% identical wording to the newest filing - **Daily Times** — [Islamabad sees security buildup before PTI protest](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1557767/islamabad-sees-security-buildup-before-pti-protest/) · 24 Sep 2026, 8:33 PM PKT · 73% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan deployed around 22,000 security personnel in Islamabad ahead of the planned PTI protest on September 27. Authorities also placed shipping containers at key routes and entry points. Meanwhile, officials closed several major roads linking Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The closures affected the M-1, M-14 and parts of the Grand Trunk Road. As a result, […] - **Daily Pakistan (English)** — [Islamabad Traffic Alert as Key Roads closed ahead of PTI Long March](https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/24-Sep-2026/islamabad-traffic-alert-as-key-roads-closed-ahead-of-pti-long-march) · 24 Sep 2026, 3:41 PM PKT · 80% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD — Pakistani capital is rapidly turning into fortified city ahead of planned September 27 long march of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, with authorities shutting major highways, sealing strategic entry points and deploying thousands of security personnel across the capital and surrounding districts. The restrictions are already choking some of the country’s most important road links. M-1 […] - **The Express Tribune** — [Major routes to Islamabad closed ahead of PTI protest](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631205/major-routes-to-islamabad-closed-ahead-of-pti-protest) · 24 Sep 2026, 2:33 PM PKT · 71% identical wording to the newest filing > NHMP travel advisory shows multiple road closures and restrictions ### 23 Sep 2026 — Islamabad traffic police to close key motorways and roads from 11pm (6 outlets) > Most outlets reported the closure of major motorways and roads by Islamabad Traffic Police from 11pm, naming routes such as M-1, M-14, and GT Road. While most focused on the traffic advisory itself, a few, like Aaj News and Daily Pakistan, noted the closures were linked to security measures ahead of a PTI protest on September 27. The Nation and ProPakistani provided a more general account of the closures without explicitly mentioning the protest connection. - **Aaj News (English)** — [Islamabad braces for Sept 27 protest with major roads, entry points blocked](https://english.aaj.tv/news/330473706/islamabad-braces-for-sept-27-protest-with-major-roads-entry-points-blocked) · 23 Sep 2026, 10:14 PM PKT > Authorities have stepped up security in Islamabad and Attock ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned September 27 protest, with major roads linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the federal capital ordered closed and containers placed at key entry points. The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1), Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway (M-14) and parts of the Grand Trunk Road (N-5) are being clo... - **ProPakistani** — [List of Key Motorways and Highways Closing From Today Until Further Notice](https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/23/list-of-key-motorways-and-highways-closing-from-today-until-further-notice/) · 23 Sep 2026, 2:25 PM PKT · 63% identical wording to the newest filing > Islamabad Traffic Police has announced the closure of the M-1 Peshawar Motorway, M-14 CPEC route, Hazara Motorway, and sections of… Read More - **The Nation** — [Key routes to Islamabad closed from tonight](https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Sep-2026/key-routes-islamabad-closed-tonight) · 23 Sep 2026, 1:21 PM PKT · 68% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has announced the closure of several major routes leading towards the federal capital from 11pm on Wednesday until further notice. - **Daily Pakistan (English)** — [Travel Alert: GT Road, M-14 Motorway to Close tonight ahead of PTI protest](https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/23-Sep-2026/travel-alert-gt-road-m-14-motorway-to-close-from-tonight-ahead-of-pti-protest) · 23 Sep 2026, 1:01 PM PKT · 77% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD – A major traffic disruption is set to hit motorists as several key motorways, highways and interchanges will be closed to all traffic from September 23rd, with commuters being urged to plan their journeys carefully. M-1 motorway will be shut in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange. The closure will affect […] - **ARY News (English)** — [Islamabad Traffic Police announces closure of key roads](https://arynews.tv/islamabad-traffic-police-announces-closure-of-key-roads) · 23 Sep 2026, 12:17 PM PKT · 68% identical wording to the newest filing > According to a traffic advisory issued by the ITP, the M-1 Peshawar Motorway will be closed from Haroon Bridge, while the M-14... - **Associated Press of Pakistan** — [M-1, M-14, Hazara Motorway, GT Road among routes to close from 11pm : ITP](https://www.app.com.pk/national/m-1-m-14-hazara-motorway-gt-road-among-routes-to-close-from-11pm-itp/) · 23 Sep 2026, 10:33 AM PKT · 65% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP):Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued a traffic advisory announcing the closure of M-1 Peshawar Motorway, M-14 CPEC route, Hazara Motorway and sections of GT Road and other key routes from 11:00 pm on Wednesday, until further notice, advising motorists to plan their journeys and use alternate routes. An ITP official told... ### 22 Sep 2026 — Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway to Close Ahead of PTI Protest (11 outlets) > Most outlets reported the closure of the M-1 Motorway from 11pm on September 23, 2026, citing traffic advisories and heightened security measures ahead of PTI’s planned protest. Several also mentioned the closure would last until further notice and advised commuters to avoid the route. A few, such as ARY News and Hum News English, added context about Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s warning to PTI or noted that other roads like the GT Road and M-2 would also be affected. The Express Tribune briefly mentioned divisions within PTI about the protest’s timing and route, while Pakistan Observer also highlighted general road closures in Islamabad. - **The Express Tribune** — [M-1 Motorway closed indefinitely](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630938/m-1-motorway-closed-indefinitely) · 23 Sep 2026, 3:40 AM PKT > PTI divided over route, timing for Islamabad March - **Daily Times** — [Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway to be closed from 11pm today](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1556987/islamabad-peshawar-motorway-to-be-closed-from-11pm-today/) · 23 Sep 2026, 3:35 AM PKT · 74% identical wording to the newest filing > Islamabad police on Tuesday issued an advisory stating that the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) will be closed to all types of traffic from 11pm on September 23 (Wednesday). “Those travelling from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and from other areas, should avoid using the M-1 and postpone non-essential travel,” the advisory, posted on the […] - **Pakistan Observer** — [Islamabad Traffic Update: Key Roads, Motorways Closures ahead of PTI Protest](https://pakobserver.net/islamabad-traffic-update-key-roads-motorways-closures-ahead-of-pti-protest/) · 22 Sep 2026, 11:09 PM PKT · 70% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD – Security arrangements have been beefed up across federal capital ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march scheduled for… - **Dawn** — [Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway to be closed for all types of traffic from 11pm on Wednesday](https://www.dawn.com/news/2031883/islamabad-peshawar-motorway-to-be-closed-for-all-types-of-traffic-from-11pm-on-wednesday) · 22 Sep 2026, 9:45 PM PKT · 76% identical wording to the newest filing > Islamabad police on Tuesday issued an advisory stating that the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) will be closed to all types of traffic from 11pm on September 23 (Wednesday). “Those travelling from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and from other areas, should avoid using the M-1 and postpone non-essential travel,” the advisory, posted on the social media platform X, said. The advis... - **Hum News English** — [Sections of motorway, GT Road to remain closed from tomorrow evening](https://humenglish.com/latest/sections-of-motorway-gt-road-to-remain-closed-from-tomorrow-evening/) · 22 Sep 2026, 9:40 PM PKT · 76% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan Highways and Motorway Police on Tuesday said that several sections of the motorway and the GT Road will remain closed to traffic from Wednesday evening ahead of the planned protest and march of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Islamabad. According to a spokesperson for NHMP, the M-1 will remain closed from Islamabad Toll Plaza to Chach Interchange. Motorway at Islamabad Toll Plaza, Fate... - **Associated Press of Pakistan** — [M-1 Motorway to close for all traffic from 11pm Wednesday, M-2 to remain open](https://www.app.com.pk/national/m-1-motorway-to-close-for-all-traffic-from-11pm-wednesday-m-2-to-remain-open/) · 22 Sep 2026, 8:44 PM PKT · 76% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD, Sep 22 (APP):Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Tuesday advised motorists to avoid travelling on the Peshawar Motorway (M-1) as it will remain closed to all types of traffic from 11:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, until further orders. An ITP official told APP that commuters from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as... - **ProPakistani** — [Major Motorway’s Closure Announced](https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/22/major-motorways-closure-announced/) · 22 Sep 2026, 8:40 PM PKT · 78% identical wording to the newest filing > Islamabad Police have issued a traffic advisory stating that the Peshawar Motorway (M-1) will remain closed to all traffic from… Read More - **ARY News (English)** — [Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway M-1 to close from 11pm](https://arynews.tv/peshawar-islamabad-motorway-m-1-to-close-from-11pm) · 22 Sep 2026, 8:36 PM PKT · 76% identical wording to the newest filing > Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership against staging another sit-in in Islamabad... - **Abb Takk News** — [M-1 motorway to close from September 23 amid security concerns](https://abbtakk.tv/m-1-motorway-to-close-from-september-23-amid-security-concerns/) · 22 Sep 2026, 8:36 PM PKT · 79% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: The M-1 Motorway connecting Islamabad and Peshawar will be closed to all traffic from 11pm on September 23, 2026, until further notice, according to a traffic advisory. Authorities have advised commuters travelling from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding districts to avoid using the M-1 and defer non-essential journeys. The closure... - **Daily Pakistan (English)** — [Motorway M-1 to Close from Sept 23 as Islamabad braces for PTI Protest](https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/22-Sep-2026/motorway-m-1-to-close-from-sept-23-as-islamabad-braces-for-pti-protest) · 22 Sep 2026, 8:29 PM PKT · 80% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD – Travel between Islamabad and Peshawar is set to face major disruption as the M-1 motorway will be closed to all traffic from 11pm on September 23 until further notice, amid heightened security preparations ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest planned in Islamabad on September 27. According to a traffic advisory, motorists travelling […] - **24 News HD** — [Govt shuts down M-1 Motorway till further notice](https://www.24newshd.tv/22-Sep-2026/govt-shuts-m-1-motorway-till-notice) · 22 Sep 2026, 8:22 PM PKT · 75% identical wording to the newest filing > The Peshawar Motorway (M-1) will remain closed to all types of traffic 11:00 pm onwards tomorrow, September 23, 2026, until further notice, according to a traffic advisory. ## Part of a bigger story Other stories whose coverage resembles this one, nearest first. 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