Islamabad issues traffic plan for Marka-i-Haq anniversary event

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad authorities on Saturday announced a traffic management plan for Sunday, May 10, in connection with an event marking the anniversary of Marka-i-Haq, with temporary road closures and diversions to remain in place across parts of the capital.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said the capital’s traffic police had issued an advisory for the event. In a post on X, he said, "Temporary traffic diversions will remain in place from 6pm to 12am on various routes across the city, and urged residents to plan their movement accordingly. Memon added: Citizens are requested to plan their travel accordingly, use alternative routes, avoid unnecessary movement during peak hours, and cooperate with traffic officials to ensure smooth traffic flow and public convenience."

According to the traffic police advisory, Srinagar Highway from Korianwala Chowk to Peshawar Mor will remain closed to traffic on both sides during the specified hours. The Islamabad Expressway from Faizabad to Khayaban Chowk will also be shut for vehicles heading towards Faisal Avenue.

Authorities advised people travelling from the Motorway or Islamabad Chowk towards Bhara Kahu and Murree to use 9th Avenue and Colonel Sher Khan Road (IJP Road) through Murree Road. Those coming from Murree or Bhara Kahu towards the Motorway have been asked to take Murree Road, Faizabad, Colonel Sher Khan Road (IJP Road) and 9th Avenue.

Motorists heading from the Motorway towards the Red Zone and nearby sectors have been told to use Jinnah Avenue or Margalla Road via 9th Avenue from Peshawar Mor. Residents of the Red Zone and adjoining sectors travelling towards Rawalpindi or the Motorway have been advised to use Margalla Road or Jinnah Avenue to reach 9th Avenue.

Traffic approaching Islamabad from the Expressway will be diverted through Faizabad, Colonel Sher Khan Road (IJP Road) and 9th Avenue. Commuters travelling from Rawalpindi to Islamabad have been advised to use Colonel Sher Khan Road (IJP Road), Fakhar-i-Alam Road or 9th Avenue.

Vehicles coming from Rawalpindi Scheme-III and Ammar Chowk will be able to travel towards the Red Zone, Bhara Kahu and Murree through Rawal Road, Chandni Chowk, Murree Road and Club Road. Travellers from Murree and Bhara Kahu heading towards Koral Chowk or Rawat T-Cross on GT Road have been advised to use Korang Road, Bani Gala, Park Road and Lehtrar Road.

Motorists travelling from Peshawar Mor towards Koral or Rawat T-Cross have been directed to use 9th Avenue, Stadium Double Road and Rawal Road. The advisory further said all light transport vehicles will be diverted from Rawat T-Cross towards Rawalpindi from 5pm until midnight.

Meanwhile, the entry of all heavy traffic vehicles into Islamabad will remain completely banned from 4am on May 10 until midnight, according to the advisory.

Event preparations and related arrangements

Earlier, sources had told Dawn that the country’s top civilian and military leadership was expected to attend a ceremony at the National Monument at Zero Point to mark what the state has described as the Pakistani forces’ victory against India last year in May.

On Friday, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi saw a Pakistan Air Force fighter jet aerial display during a rehearsal for the official Marka-i-Haq ceremony.

The Pakistan Airports Authority has also issued a notice to airmen stating that flight operations at Islamabad airport may be affected from Friday to Sunday due to

operational reasons

Last year’s military confrontation with India, beginning with the April 22 Pahalgam attack and ending with Pakistan’s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, concluded with a ceasefire on May 10 after an escalation between the two countries. The state has termed that conflict Marka-i-Haq, or Battle of Truth.