PTI Protest Postponement: Government Reopens Major Routes After Security Closures

Following PTI’s postponement of its long march, government authorities began removing containers and metal 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. Clearance work continued on the M-14 motorway, with some sections remaining closed during the operation.

Officials said the barriers had been heavily secured and, in some locations, containers had to be emptied of sand and mud before they could be removed.

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

Transport representatives called for the reopening of remaining city routes, saying the restoration of major highways could help resume normal movement and commercial activity.