Islamabad Traffic Police Issues Alternate Routes
The capital city of Pakistan once again witnessed major traffic diversions as the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) announced the closure of the Faizabad Interchange, one of the busiest entry and exit points between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The move came in light of law-and-order concerns, forcing authorities to reroute thousands of daily commuters.
With Faizabad being the lifeline connecting Murree Road, Expressway, IJP Road, and Srinagar Highway, its closure has a direct impact on residents, office workers, and those traveling to and from the Islamabad International Airport. To minimize inconvenience, ITP has released a comprehensive traffic diversion and alternate route plan for all major sectors and adjoining areas.
Why Faizabad Was Closed
Faizabad holds strategic importance as it links Rawalpindi with Islamabad’s central sectors. In times of security alerts or protests, it is usually the first choke point to be blocked. The recent closure aims to prevent congestion in sensitive areas and ensure the safe passage of official convoys and public movement.
Authorities emphasized that the restrictions are temporary and will remain in effect until the situation normalizes. Heavy traffic entry into Islamabad has also been suspended to avoid further blockages on major highways.
Alternate Routes – Quick Details
Here is a quick guide to the alternate routes announced by Islamabad Traffic Police:
| Direction / Starting Point | Suggested Alternate Route | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Murree & Bara Kahu → Rawalpindi | Rawal Dam Chowk → Park Road → Tramri (Captain Naeem Tufail Shaheed Chowk) → Lehtrar Road → Khanna → Expressway | Avoids Faizabad and Murree Road |
| Koral → Islamabad | Khanna Pul → Lehtrar Road → Tramri → Park Road → Rawal Dam Chowk | Best for reaching central sectors |
| To Islamabad Airport | Kashmir Chowk → Srinagar Highway → Airport | Direct route, avoid Faizabad |
| I-8 Residents | Zero Point → Srinagar Highway → Club Road → Rawal Dam Chowk → Park Road | Alternative to Faizabad Interchange |
| From IJP Road | Faqir Aipee Road → Srinagar Highway OR I-10 Service Road → 9th Avenue → Srinagar Highway | Helps bypass choke points |
| Zero Point → Expressway | Srinagar Highway → Rawal Dam Chowk → Park Road → Lehtrar Road → Khanna Pul → Expressway | Longer but smoother route |
| Islamabad → Rawalpindi (via Faisal Ave) | Zero Point → Srinagar Highway → 9th Avenue | For office workers heading to Pindi |
| F-8, F-9, F-10, G-10, G-11 sectors | Srinagar Highway via Golra Mor | Easiest exit to Rawalpindi |
Impact on Daily Life
The closure of Faizabad has disrupted daily routines for thousands of commuters. Office workers, students, and patients traveling to hospitals in both cities are experiencing longer travel times due to diversions. Ride-hailing services also reported an increase in fares as routes became longer and traffic congestion built up on the alternate roads.
Despite the difficulties, traffic wardens have been deployed across diversion points to assist the public. Additional signage has been placed at key junctions to help guide motorists unfamiliar with the new routes.
Public Advisory
Authorities have urged citizens to:
- Leave home early to account for extra travel time.
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Islamabad Traffic Police’s helpline for real-time updates.
- Follow instructions of traffic wardens at diversion points to avoid gridlock.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours if possible.
The ITP has assured that the situation is being closely monitored and updates will be provided regularly through official social media channels and radio broadcasts.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of Faizabad Interchange highlights the importance of contingency planning in a rapidly expanding urban region like Islamabad and Rawalpindi. While commuters face inconvenience, the alternate route plan ensures that mobility across the twin cities remains functional.
As the situation develops, authorities are expected to lift restrictions once normalcy is restored. Until then, residents are advised to stay informed, plan their journeys wisely, and exercise patience on the roads.
The resilience of the twin cities’ residents has always helped them adapt to such challenges, and with effective cooperation between the public and traffic police, Islamabad’s mobility will continue to flow despite disruptions at Faizabad.
