Authorities will close major motorways and highways linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Islamabad and Punjab from September 23 until further notice. The move comes just days before the PTI march on the capital. Moreover, the closures cover the same Islamabad entry routes that PTI is likely to use.

Motorway and highway authorities have not explained the reason behind the decision. However, political analysts and PTI leaders see it as an attempt to stop the party from reaching Islamabad. PTI has called for a march to the capital on September 27. The party is demanding the release of its jailed founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan.

The M-1 and M-14 motorways will shut to traffic in both directions from the evening of September 23. Additionally, the Grand Trunk Road, or N-5, will also close at Attock Khurd. Meanwhile, PTI’s leadership has repeatedly vowed to reach Islamabad “under any circumstances.”

On the M-1, closures cover the Islamabad Toll Plaza along with the Fateh Jang, Tarnol, Sangjani, Brahma Bahtar, Burhan, Hazara Motorway, Ghazi and Chachh interchanges. Also, the M-14 closures extend to Hakla, Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb, Khadpa, Tarap, Daud Khel, Kot Beliyan, Isa Khel and Kundal. As a result, commuters across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and the federal capital could face heavy disruption in the coming days.

Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar has taken a firm stance on the issue. He said the government would not let PTI enter Islamabad under any circumstances. Instead, he suggested the party present its demands while staying in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Therefore, the government has signalled it will not back down before the protest.

Tarar also argued that a jailed person’s release should come through the courts, not street protests. Still, the route closures form only part of broader preparations ahead of the PTI march. Finally, all eyes will now be on September 27 to see how the standoff unfolds.