Govt Reopens Major Routes After PTI Protest Postponement

Two days after PTI postponed its long march, authorities began removing containers and spiked barriers from major routes leading toward Islamabad.

The GT Road (N-5) was reopened at several points, while the M-1 motorway between Swabi and Islamabad was also restored to traffic. Parts of the M-14 motorway remained closed as clearance operations continued.

Officials said the barriers had been firmly installed, requiring containers to be emptied of sand and mud before they could be removed.

The prolonged closures had significantly affected commercial activity in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Transport terminals were largely deserted, while hotels, motels, marriage halls and private hostels reported reduced activity. Thousands of daily-wage workers were also reportedly affected.

Transport representatives called for the remaining routes and city transport terminals to be reopened as security conditions permitted, saying normal road access was important for restoring commercial activity and public movement.