Major Motorway Routes Closed Indefinitely Ahead of November 24 Demonstrations

The Motorway Police have announced the closure of six key sections of the Motorway network starting at 8 PM tonight, citing maintenance and other reasons. According to an official notification, the closures include the stretches from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, Peshawar to Islamabad, and Lahore to Islamabad. The authorities have not specified a timeline for reopening.

This development comes as Punjab braces for heightened security measures in light of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24 in Islamabad. Earlier today, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning public gatherings and rallies from November 23 to November 25.

The protest call was issued by incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, who has urged nationwide demonstrations. In response, the PTI has presented conditions to negotiate the withdrawal of the protest. The party has demanded the quashing of “fabricated” cases against Imran Khan, his immediate release, or his transfer to Peshawar Jail if legal proceedings delay his freedom. The release of other imprisoned PTI leaders is also among their demands.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has reiterated that negotiations on the protest will only proceed after Imran Khan’s release. With the Motorway closures and Section 144 in effect, the government appears to be taking significant steps to manage the anticipated unrest surrounding the protest.