All Motorways from Lahore Reopen, But Twin Cities Still in Gridlock

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Highways and Motorway Police announced on Sunday that all motorways originating from Lahore have been reopened for traffic, providing relief to commuters after several days of disruption caused by ongoing protests.

However, in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, several major roads remain closed for the third consecutive day due to the sit-in by a religious group. Officials confirmed that only a few routes leading to major hospitals in the federal capital have been reopened to facilitate medical access.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/rawalpindi-police-on-high-alert-to-maintain-peace/

According to traffic authorities, movement on the Islamabad Expressway has been diverted to one side of Container Road at Faizabad, leading to severe congestion and long queues of vehicles in nearby areas. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi–Murree Road remains completely sealed for all kinds of traffic, with motorists advised to use alternate routes.

Motorway Police confirmed that all major routes from Lahore — including M-2 (Lahore–Islamabad) and M-3 (Lahore–Abdul Hakeem) — are now fully operational after temporary closures earlier in the week.

In a related development, mobile internet services were restored late Saturday night after a two-day suspension, easing communication challenges for residents and media personnel covering the ongoing protest.

Meanwhile, Lahore: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran on Saturday said that 112 policemen were injured and several others went missing following violent protests by a religious-political group that erupted across Lahore three days ago.

Addressing a press conference, the DIG said there was credible information and video evidence indicating that some police personnel had been taken hostage by protesters. He added that widespread vandalism, looting, and destruction of public and private property had been reported in various parts of the city.

He said the protests began over a minor issue but quickly turned violent, severely disrupting law and order across the provincial capital. “Whenever the nation moves toward progress and stability, certain groups with hidden agendas attempt to create unrest. This so-called protest was started on a baseless issue, and instead of dialogue or peaceful negotiation, the organizers resorted to violence,” he remarked.