KPK Long March Traffic Update: Affected Roads, Closures & Travel Advisory

As a PTI long march approaches Islamabad, traffic is being disrupted in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The march began in Lakki Marwat and was headed by the KPK Governor Sohail Afridi.

Thousands are on the march and authorities have set up security and road blocks on a number of routes. Things can change very rapidly so passengers are advised to check road conditions before commencing their travel. 

Which Roads Are Affected in KPK?

In southern KPK, several roads are already closed pursuant to Section 144. However, the restrictions were imposed due to security and law and order issues related to the long march.

Affected areas include:

Routes in Hangu such as the Hangu Kohat Road, Hangu-Thall Road, Hangu Bypass and Hangu-Sumari Road have been impacted. Some of the restrictions do not apply to emergency vehicles or police vehicles. 

Hakla–D.I. Khan Motorway Traffic Update

Now the National Highways & Motorway Police is tweeting regarding a lane closure on M-14 Hakla–D.I. Khan Motorway.

Traffic has been hampered on the affected stretch in between Yarik Toll Plaza and Abdul Khel, with the northbound lane closed due to the law and order situation. Road users between D.I. Khan and Islamabad side are advised to wait for the instructions from motorway police as they may face delay during their journey. 

The M-1 Road Peshawar to Islamabad is reported as open, but weather conditions and security may impact travel. 

Peshawar is the destination of one of the most famous routes of the Muslims called the Long March.

As per announced schedule, the convoy was proceeding from Lakki Marwat in the direction of Karak and is now on its way to Kohat.

The plan will be to have the convoy participants from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai before convoy move towards Peshawar. The convoy is believed to be passing through Mattani and is then going to pass from Budh Bair in Peshawar.

There are also expectations that Peshawar's and nearby supporters join the march. This convoy then moves towards Charsadda area in the direction of Khairabad. 

Why Are Roads Being Closed?

The authorities have placed restrictions primarily due to security concerns and the expected movement of a large number of protesters.

The federal government has also announced that it will not permit the protesters to enter Islamabad. Security has thus been stepped up on roads that run towards the capital. 

Some marchers are already being blocked off the roads. The convoy of former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur was reportedly forced to turn back from Yarik due to road blockades and general law and order situation. 

Travel Advisory for Drivers

On the long march between the southern KPK, Peshawar and Islamabad, extra precautions should be taken by people.

The following are recommended for drivers:

• Please be aware of the current road conditions before travelling.

• Do not go to areas where there are section 144 restrictions.

• There will be delays on the route of the march.

• Obey the orders of police and motorway officials.

• Don't travel needlessly in protest affected areas.

• Have an extra supply of fuel and other essentials.

• Follow alternate routes when directions are given to do so.

Possible delays may also be experienced by those en route to Islamabad, due to heightened security around the capital.

What About Peshawar and Islamabad?

The impact is expected to increase as the convoy moves closer to Peshawar and eventually towards Islamabad.

Heavy security is already in place at important entry points of Islamabad, and it has been reported that barriers have been set up. The government, which has pledged to block the march from entering the federal capital, has stated that it would like to avoid the use of the National Security Service. 

This will have an impact on the commuters whereby the normal travel time could be extended, especially along major routes of KPK to Punjab and towards Islamabad.

Traffic Situation Can Change Quickly

The existing road condition is not intended to be the permanent road condition. Roads may be reopened, closed or diverted based on convoy traffic and the security situation.

The National Highways & Motorway Police is giving the real-time conditions of travel on main roads and motorways. M-1 Peshawar-Islamabad section is closed (as of October 6) and M-14 section near Yarik is closed due to law and order issues.

Conclusion

The KPK long march is causing traffic and security issues on multiple roads including in the south and towards Peshawar and Islamabad.

At present, the biggest problem for motorists is the closure of northbound lanes on the Hakla-D.I. Khan Motorway between Yarik and Abdul Khel. Travelers are advised to review the latest traffic advisory prior to departure and are advised to avoid roads that are restricted. 

If a long distance travel is planned, particularly towards Islamabad, additional time should be taken to see how the road is before you travel and an extra check should be made of the road condition a few days before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the KPK long march affecting traffic?

Yes. The march has been halting traffic on several roads in KP as it heads towards the capital Islamabad.

Which motorway is being impacted in this instance?

There's a law-and-order related lane closure on the north side of the M-14 Hakla-D.I Khan motorway between Yarik Toll Plaza and Abdul Khel. 

Is M-1 (Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway open)?

The National Highways & Motorway Police advisory is open for the M-1, but may alter as a result of the current situation. 

Are there any traffic restrictions in any of the KPK areas?

Restrictions have been reported in areas such as Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Hangu and in parts of South Waziristan, for varying durations of time. 

Is it safe for people to go from KPK to Islamabad?

Open routes can be used for travel, but commuters are advised to check traffic and security conditions prior to travel to ensure that routes are open and diversions are not in effect.

What is the best place for motorists to find the most up-to-date road conditions?

By visiting the National Highways & Motorway Police website before travelling drivers can find out what service has been disrupted, especially on the M-1 and M-14 as well as other main roads.