By PK-News.com
September 28, 2026 | Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) has been reopened to all types of traffic in both directions after remaining closed for several days amid heightened security arrangements around Islamabad.

The reopening was confirmed by the National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) on Monday, providing relief to commuters and transport operators travelling between the federal capital and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The motorway had been closed last week as authorities tightened security ahead of a planned political march towards Islamabad. The planned September 27 protest was later postponed to October 4, following an announcement by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister.

M-1 Fully Reopened

According to the motorway police, the M-1 is now available for all categories of traffic in both directions between Islamabad and Peshawar.

The reopening restores one of the country's most important road connections between the federal capital and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The motorway had previously been blocked between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange under security directives issued on September 22.

The closure had forced travellers to use alternative routes, creating additional pressure on roads around Attock, Hasan Abdal and other connecting areas.

GT Road Between Islamabad and Peshawar Also Restored

The reopening is not limited to the motorway.

The N-5 Grand Trunk Road between Islamabad and Peshawar has also been reopened to traffic, according to the motorway police.

The road had earlier been blocked at Attock Khurd, an important crossing between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities had placed containers, sandbags and other barriers at strategic points during the security operation.

The restoration of the GT Road is expected to provide another important route for commuters and commercial traffic between the two regions.

M-14 Still Partially Under Restoration

While the M-1 has been fully restored, some restrictions remain on the M-14 Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway.

The motorway police said restoration work is continuing on the section between Hakla and Kundal.

According to the latest update, portions of the M-14 have reopened, including the sections from Hakla to Kot Belian and from Isa Khel to Yarik. Work remains underway on the section between Kot Belian and Isa Khel.

Motorists travelling towards Dera Ismail Khan should therefore check the latest motorway situation before beginning their journey.

Alternative Route for Abbottabad Travellers

The motorway police have also provided guidance for travellers heading from Islamabad towards Abbottabad.

Traffic using the M-1 can exit at Burhan Interchange, continue through the GT Road via Hasan Abdal, and then reconnect with the Hazara Expressway at Jhuri Kas Interchange.

This route provides an alternative connection while restoration work continues on the M-1-to-Hazara Motorway loop.

Why Were the Roads Closed?

The closures were introduced during heightened security preparations ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march towards Islamabad.

The M-1, sections of the M-14 and the N-5 were among the major routes affected. Authorities also strengthened security arrangements in Attock, where important bridges and entry points were blocked with containers and other barriers.

The political march was initially planned for September 27 but was subsequently postponed until October 4.

Following the postponement, authorities began removing containers and other obstacles from major roads.

Attock Becomes Key Traffic Point

Attock played a particularly important role during the closure because the district connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.

The Attock Bridge and Attock Khurd crossing were among the locations where security barriers had been deployed.

The closure disrupted normal movement between the two provinces and resulted in traffic diversions and delays.

With the GT Road and M-1 now reopened, normal interprovincial movement is gradually returning, although some roads and connecting routes remain under restoration.

What Travellers Should Know

Although the main Islamabad-Peshawar motorway has reopened, travellers should remain aware that road conditions can change quickly because restoration work is still underway on parts of the M-14 and connecting routes.

Motorists travelling towards Dera Ismail Khan, Hazara or other destinations connected through affected sections should check official motorway updates before travelling.

Commercial transport operators are also expected to benefit from the reopening of the M-1 and N-5, as both routes are important corridors for passenger and freight movement.

Political Situation Remains Relevant

The reopening comes as the political situation surrounding the planned PTI march continues to develop.

The postponement of the march from September 27 to October 4 appears to have been followed by the removal of several roadblocks and the restoration of major transport links.

Authorities had previously introduced restrictions and increased security measures in Islamabad, Punjab and Attock in preparation for the planned protest.

The future status of road closures could therefore depend on further security decisions as the revised October 4 date approaches.

PK-News.com Update

The reopening of the Islamabad-Peshawar M-1 marks a significant restoration of road connectivity between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after several days of restrictions.

The N-5/GT Road between Islamabad and Peshawar has also reopened, while restoration work continues on sections of the M-14 and the connection between the M-1 and Hazara Motorway.

PK-News.com will continue monitoring motorway conditions, traffic restrictions and security developments affecting travellers across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.

This report reflects information available on September 28, 2026. Motorway conditions may change as authorities complete restoration work or introduce new security measures.