Ahead of PTI protest: Lahore-Islamabad GT Road, motorway closed at key points

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: All sections of motorways and the GT Road at key points have been closed in Punjab in the wake of the PTI protest, scheduled for Nov 24.

All key sections of GT Road including Muridke to Jhelum and Chenab River Bridge in Gujrat, have completely been blocked by placing containers on both sides.

Barriers have also been set up at critical points such as Sadhoke Check-post, Nandipur Check-post, Jhelum, Kamoke, Shahdara, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Sheikhupura, causing massive traffic jams, and leaving commuters stranded for hours.

The authorities have issued an advisory urging the public to avoid using GT Road and to take alternative routes. Travellers heading to major cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, and Islamabad are advised to stay updated on the situation.

Heavy police deployments, especially around the Chenab River bridges, exhibit seriousness of the situation. Officials have not yet confirmed when normal traffic flow would resume, as the protests continue to disrupt movement and daily life in the affected areas.

Commuters have been advised to exercise caution, prioritise safety, and remain informed about further developments.

A notification about motorway closure, “Motorway closed for 2 days at 6 different locations due to repair work. According to Motorway Police officials, the motorway will remain closed on November 23 and 24 due to ‘repair work’. Motorway M1 from Islamabad to Peshawar, Motorway M2 from Lahore to Islamabad will be closed, Motorway M3 from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem, Motorway M4 from Pindi Bhatian to Multan will be closed. The Lahore-Sialkot Motorway M-11 was also closed for all types of traffic, the Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway M-14 was closed from Hakla to York.

In Gujrat and Lalamusa, all key highways and roads have been blocked with containers in anticipation of the PTI’s power show on Nov 24. Additional blockades have been reported at Charryawala Checkpost, where trucks have been strategically placed to disrupt vehicular movement.

In addition to the traffic gridlock, reports have surfaced about arrest of PTI workers from Sheikhpur, a village within the jurisdiction of the Kakrali Police Station. PTI MPA Chaudhry Shahid Raza of Kotla claimed the measures were aimed at silencing dissent and discouraging participation in the protest.

The University of Gujrat announced an early departure of buses at 1:30pm instead of the usual 4:45pm, citing roadblocks and safety concerns.

Separately, The Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning all public gatherings, protests, rallies, processions, and sit-ins for three days, from Nov 23 to 25.

A notification, issued by the Punjab Home Department on Friday, confirmed the enforcement, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order. The move follows recommendations made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee for Law and Order. A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department explained that the decision aims to ensure peace, protect human lives, and safeguard property. The notification warned that public processions could become soft targets for terrorists or be exploited by miscreants for anti-state activities.

The government has urged citizens to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies during this period to maintain stability and prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the Islamabad High Court (IHC) said in an order on Thursday that no rallies, processions, or sit-ins should be permitted in the federal capital. He said the government would ensure 100pc compliance with the court orders. He added that if any loss of life occurs, the PTI would be held responsible.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, he mentioned that a meeting with the prime minister was scheduled on Friday to discuss forming a committee for negotiations with the PTI, and action would be taken based on the Prime Minister’s instructions. However, he warned that any attempt by PTI to stage a sit-in would result in complications. He warned that those staging any attack on the Capital would have to face serious consequences.

Responding to a question about receiving any message from Adiala jail, he clarified, “I have no contact with Adiala Jail.”

When asked by a journalist why the PTI was allowed to protest during their government, but not now, the minister replied, “Who said we haven’t granted permission? We have received a request, and it is in process. If you claim we have refused permission, please clarify where we have done so.”

Regarding potential protests and loss of life, Naqvi said that responsibility would fall on those who disobey the court orders and violate regulations. “Those who breach the law or forcefully try to create chaos will be held accountable,” he asserted.

On the issue of road closures, he commented, “If roads shouldn’t be closed, then tell us what to do? I agree that roads, businesses, internet, and mobile phone services should not be disrupted, but what is the alternative?”

About the Parachinar incident, he called it a tragic event, stressing that law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was a responsibility of the KP government. He said, “Everyone knows the KP government is preparing to storm us. Yesterday, they requested 15 FC platoons, which we allocated to them by halting deployments elsewhere. It is our duty to assist, but the responsibility lies with them.”

He urged the KP government to clarify whether their priority was eliminating terrorism in the province or preparing to attack Islamabad. “Post-18th Amendment, maintaining law and order is not our responsibility, but we still fulfil their demands. While funerals are being held on one side, what’s happening on the other?” he questioned.

He reiterated that anyone violating Section 144 in Islamabad would face action.

About Bushra Bibi’s statement, he said relations with the US and Saudi Arabia had been politicised by the PTI. “You brought these countries into your politics, disregarded the SCO conference, and ignored the arrival of the Russian president. People will judge for themselves. There were celebrations during Trump’s visit, but earlier, it was called a US conspiracy. After so many U-turns, the public should think.”

Naqvi said there were appropriate forums for raising concerns. “Use those platforms for protests. Why are you destroying the country? If the PTI plans to storm the capital, negotiations won’t happen. If they want dialogue, it must be done legitimately. It won’t work where on one side you protest and on the other, you ask for talks,” he warned.

Separately, official statistics revealed that the government spent Rs2.7 billion on dealing with the PTI sit-ins and protests during the last 18 months.

According to a report, the cost of sit-ins and protests of the last six months was estimated at about Rs1.2 billion, while government and non-government properties worth Rs1.5 billion were damaged.

The official statistics show that the PTI held 120 small and large protests in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, in which four security personnel were martyred and more than 220 personnel injured.

Also, Rs800 million were paid to the owners of 3,000 containers on rent as Rawalpindi, Attock, Lahore, Islamabad were the focus of protests and more than 30,000 security personnel were deployed on the protests.

In the data, it is said that 370 cameras of Safe City worth Rs280 million were damaged in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, 220 small and large police vehicles were damaged, more than Rs900 million were spent on the transport of security personnel. About one-and-a-half billion were spent on police food and transport.

According to the official statistics, 12,000 Islamabad, 16,000 Punjab police officers were charged with co-duties, and Rs300 million were spent on FC, Rangers and Army personnel.

Official sources said Nov-24 protest might cost the country more than Rs300 million as 34,000 security personnel have been deployed and more than 2,000 containers have been brought to Rawalpindi, Islamabad to stop Sunday’s protest.