Key Takeaways
- The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) has been reopened to all types of traffic in both directions.
- The closure was indefinite and lasted for a week, affecting sections of M-14 and the GT Road.
- Traffic can now travel from Islamabad to Abbottabad via the M-1, using alternative routes.
The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) has been reopened to all types of traffic in both directions, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) announced on Monday.
The closure, which lasted for a week, was initially indefinite and affected sections of M-14 and the GT Road (N-5).
The closure was a result of government pushback ahead of PTI’s long march towards Islamabad, which was initially scheduled for September 27 but later postponed to October 4.
According to a NHMP spokesperson, restoration work remained underway on the M-14 motorway between Hakla and Kundal, as well as on the loop connecting the M-1 motorway with the Hazara Motorway.
Traffic travelling from Islamabad to Abbottabad via the M-1 can exit at Burhan Interchange, use the GT Road via Hasan Abdal, and rejoin the Hazara Expressway at Jhuri Kas Interchange.
The GT Road (N-5) between Islamabad and Peshawar has also been reopened to all traffic, the spokesperson said.
In a statement issued later, the spokesperson said M-14 had been reopened from Hakla to Kot Belian and from Isa Khel to Yarik.
Meanwhile, restoration work on the section between Kot Belian and Isa Khel was still under way, the spokesperson added.
In its Sept 22 directives, the motorway police announced that the M-1 was closed to all traffic in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange, while the M-14 was closed between Hakla and Kundal.
The GT Road was also closed at Attock Khurd.
