Islamabad Traffic Police Announce Route Plan for Pakistan Day Parade
The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has released a detailed route plan for heavy traffic in anticipation of Pakistan Day, celebrated on March 23. The federal capital will host a grand military parade to mark the occasion, necessitating traffic adjustments to ensure smooth movement and security.
According to the ITP, all heavy vehicles will be prohibited from entering Islamabad from midnight on March 22 until 3:00 PM on March 23. Additionally, Srinagar Highway will be closed to incoming and outgoing traffic between Seventh Avenue and Kudiyanwala Chowk from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday.
Motorists traveling towards Bhara Kahu are advised to use alternative routes, including Seventh Avenue via Pak-China Road, Rawal Dam Chowk, Kashmir Chowk, and Club Road. The ITP has also warned of potential traffic disruptions on Srinagar Highway and the Expressway due to the rerouting of vehicles.
For heavy traffic traveling from Peshawar to Lahore, the recommended route is via Taxila Motorway and Fateh Jang Motorway, accessible through Tarnol Phatak. Similarly, heavy vehicles traveling from Lahore GT Road to Islamabad and Rawalpindi should use Chak Beli Road and Chakri Motorway.
Travelers heading from Peshawar to Rawat via GT Road are advised to use Taxila Motorway, Chakri, Chak Beli Road, and Rawat. Those traveling from Lahore GT Road to Peshawar should follow the route via Rawat, Chak Beli Road, Chakri, and Taxila Motorway.
Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Zeeshan Haider stated that traffic police personnel will be stationed at key points across the city to assist and guide commuters. He urged citizens to contact the ITP helpline at 1915 for assistance and to stay updated on traffic conditions by tuning in to FM 92.4.
The ITP will also provide real-time traffic updates through its social media platforms to keep the public informed.
Pakistan Day Celebrations
Pakistan Day commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims in South Asia. The day is marked by patriotic celebrations, including a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers are offered at mosques after dawn prayers for the prosperity and unity of the nation. The national flag is hoisted on major government buildings, and change of guard ceremonies are held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Iqbal in Lahore.
The ITPβs traffic plan aims to ensure that citizens can participate in the celebrations while minimizing inconvenience caused by road closures and diversions.
