Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway Closure Challenged in Islamabad High Court
If you drive between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this update matters to you. Below, we break down why the petition was filed, which roads are currently closed, what the court is being asked to decide, and what you should keep in mind before heading out on the road.
Why Was the Petition Filed in the Islamabad High Court?
The case started with a single missed hearing. Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mian Shafqat Jan filed the petition after he was unable to reach the Peshawar High Court for a scheduled hearing, as reported by DAWN.
What Happened on the Motorway
Entry From Islamabad Toll Plaza on September 24
According to the petition, the lawyer entered the motorway from the Islamabad Toll Plaza on September 24. Further along the route, he found the road blocked near the M-1 Attock Bridge and could not continue his journey to Peshawar.
No Written Order Shown at the Site
The petition states that officials present at the blockade did not provide any written order authorising the closure. This point sits at the centre of the case, because the petitioner argues that a public road should not be shut without a formal, documented decision.
The Legal Argument Behind the Challenge
Freedom of Movement and Access to Courts
The lawyer argued that closing public roads without a notification or a disclosed reason directly affects two basic rights of citizens: the freedom to move from one place to another, and the ability to access courts. When a motorway linking two major cities is shut without explanation, people with hearings, hospital appointments or urgent family matters are left with no clear alternative.
What the Petitioner Is Asking the Court For
The petition does not only ask for the M-1 to be reopened. It asks the court to set a wider principle for how road closures should be handled in the future.
Declare Unnotified Closures Illegal
The petitioner has requested the Islamabad High Court to declare road and highway closures carried out without formal orders or notifications as illegal and unconstitutional.
Keep Routes Open for Essential Travel
Even where closures are in place, the petition asks authorities to keep routes open for people who cannot delay their travel, including:
- Emergency traffic
- Lawyers and litigants
- Witnesses
- Patients
- Funeral processions
- Other emergency services
Which Roads Are Closed Right Now?
According to the Islamabad Police, closures are in place on several key routes connecting Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Here is a clear summary:
| Route | Closed Section | Status |
|---|---|---|
| M-1 (Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway) | Islamabad Toll Plaza to Chhachh Interchange | Closed in both directions |
| M-14 (Hakla-D.I. Khan Motorway) | Hakla to Kundal | Closed |
| GT Road | Attock Khurd | Blocked |
M-1 Motorway: Islamabad Toll Plaza to Chhachh Interchange
The M-1 is the main high-speed link between Islamabad and Peshawar. With both directions closed between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange, the most direct route between the two cities is currently unavailable.
M-14 Motorway: Hakla to Kundal
The M-14 has also been closed between Hakla and Kundal, which removes another major option for travellers heading towards the south of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
GT Road at Attock Khurd
GT Road, which many drivers use as a fallback when the motorway is shut, is blocked at Attock Khurd. This means the usual alternative route is also affected.
Increased Security Around Attock
Security has been increased around Attock, with barriers placed at key entry points and bridges. Drivers in the area should expect checkpoints and possible diversions.
Previous IHC Ruling Cited in the Petition
The petition also points to a recent Islamabad High Court judgment related to the planned PTI protest. In that ruling, the court directed authorities to ensure that roads, highways, interchanges and toll plazas are not occupied in a way that blocks public movement or access to medical and educational facilities.
Why This Earlier Judgment Matters
By citing this ruling, the petitioner is linking the current closure to a position the court has already taken on keeping public roads accessible. The case now places the legality of the current M-1 closure directly before the Islamabad High Court.
Travel Advisory for Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Current advice: Travellers heading between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should avoid travel if possible. The latest NHMP travel advisory still lists closures on the M-1 and M-14, along with restrictions on GT Road at Attock Khurd.
Before You Start Your Journey
Check the Latest Official Updates
Road conditions can change quickly during closures. Check the NHMP advisory and local police updates right before you leave, not the night before.
Prepare for Long Waits and Diversions
If your travel cannot be postponed, plan for delays. Keep your fuel tank full, carry drinking water, keep your phone charged, and make sure someone knows your route and expected arrival time.
Make Your Car Ready for Long Delays
Hours spent waiting at a blockade or crawling through diversions can be tiring, especially with family on board. A few simple upgrades can make the time in your car far more comfortable.
Comfort and Visibility Essentials From Asad Autos
Block the Sun While You Wait
Sitting still in daytime heat makes the cabin warm up fast. The QuikSlide Railing Curtains Collection lets you slide window curtains open or closed in seconds, giving passengers shade and privacy during long stops.
A Cleaner Option for Window Shading
If you prefer a neat, fitted look, QuikSlide Shades help cut down glare and heat through the side windows, which makes a real difference when you are stuck in traffic for hours.
See the Road Clearly on Unfamiliar Routes
Diversions often take you onto roads you do not know, sometimes after dark. A bright, well-focused MLI Projector Light improves your view of the road ahead, so you can drive with more confidence on unlit stretches.
What Happens Next?
The Islamabad High Court will now examine whether the current closure of the M-1 was carried out lawfully. The outcome could shape how authorities handle road closures in the future, particularly whether a formal notification must be issued and whether essential travellers must be given a way through.
We will keep an eye on the case and share updates that affect drivers on the Islamabad-Peshawar route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) closed right now?
According to the Islamabad Police, the M-1 is closed in both directions between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange. Check the latest NHMP travel advisory before leaving, as the situation can change.
Who filed the petition against the M-1 closure?
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mian Shafqat Jan filed the petition after he could not reach the Peshawar High Court for a scheduled hearing.
Which other roads are affected?
The M-14 is closed between Hakla and Kundal, and GT Road is blocked at Attock Khurd. Security has also been increased around Attock, with barriers at key entry points and bridges.
What does the petition ask the court to do?
It asks the court to declare road and highway closures without formal orders or notifications illegal and unconstitutional, and to keep routes open for emergency traffic, lawyers, litigants, witnesses, patients, funeral processions and other emergency services.
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