Traffic diversions announced in Islamabad for foreign delegation visit

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have issued a traffic diversion plan for Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, because of the arrival of a foreign delegation, and advised residents to use alternate routes during the two days.

Under the plan, all roads leading to and from the Red Zone will remain completely closed on both days. The restrictions are part of arrangements being put in place for the visiting delegation.

Officials have also announced the closure of the Expressway from Zero Point to Koral Chowk for traffic in both directions during the same period. Commuters have been asked to plan their travel accordingly and avoid routes affected by the closures.

Alternate routes for commuters

People travelling from GT Road have been directed to reach the motorway through Taxila Mor, Chakri and Chak Beli Road.

For commuters moving from G-6, F-6 and G-5 towards Rawalpindi, Ninth Avenue has been designated as the alternative route.

Meanwhile, those coming from Bhara Kahu and Murree have been advised to use Bani Gala and Lehtrar Road instead of the closed corridors.

The diversion plan also includes directions for inter-city travellers. Passengers heading from Peshawar to Lahore have been told to use the motorway through Taxila Mor and Tarnol Crossing to Fateh Jang.

Similarly, travellers coming from Lahore to Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been instructed to access the motorway through Chak Beli Road and Chakri Road.

Closures to remain in place for two days

The traffic arrangements will remain effective on both Saturday and Sunday, covering April 11 and 12. With roads linked to the Red Zone shut and a major section of the Expressway also closed, authorities have urged citizens to rely on the specified alternate routes to reduce disruption.

The advisory outlines separate options for local commuters and for those travelling between cities, including traffic from GT Road, central Islamabad sectors, Bhara Kahu, Murree, Peshawar and Lahore.

Residents and travellers are expected to face movement restrictions in and around the capital during the visit, particularly near the Red Zone and on the Expressway stretch between Zero Point and Koral Chowk.

The diversion plan was announced in view of the arrival of the foreign delegation, with the authorities asking the public to cooperate and use the alternate roads identified for the two-day period.