Strict traffic restrictions were imposed across the federal capital on Saturday as US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to participate in the US-Iran peace talks, with key highways closed and diversions put in place while authorities sealed multiple routes and restricted access to sensitive areas.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued an alternate traffic plan for April 11 and 12, announcing that the Red Zone and extended Red Zone would remain completely closed for general traffic in view of the arrival of foreign delegations.
An ITP official told APP on Saturday that the following roads would remain closed for traffic:
Kashmir Chowk Club Road towards Srinagar Highway/Zero Point.
Srinagar Highway from Zero Point to Serena Chowk.
Shakarparian Road from Chand Tara Chowk to 7th Avenue.
Jinnah Avenue from Khayaban Chowk to Blue Area.
Margalla Road from Faisal Chowk to Trail-3.
He said traffic on Islamabad Expressway from Zero Point to Koral Chowk would also remain closed on both sides during the specified period.
The official urged citizens to avoid traveling on these routes and use alternate roads to prevent inconvenience.
He said entry of all types of heavy traffic into Islamabad would remain banned from April 11 to 12.
Traffic coming from GT Road Peshawar towards Rawalpindi should use Taxila Motorway, Chakri, Chak Beli Road, and Rawat Road.
Meanwhile, citizens traveling from Lahore GT Road towards Peshawar were advised to use Rawat, Chak Beli Road, Chakri, and Taxila Motorway.
Residents of G-5, F-6, F-7, G-6 and G-7 sectors traveling to and from Rawalpindi via Margalla Road should use 9th Avenue.
Traffic from Faisal Avenue towards Zero Point would be diverted to 9th Avenue.
Commuters traveling from Bhara Kahu towards Rawalpindi should use Korang Road, Bani Gala, Lehtrar Road, and GT Road. Traffic from Rawalpindi to Islamabad via Saddar Road should use 9th Avenue.
Vehicles coming from Colonel Sher Khan Road towards Faisal Avenue should use Stadium Road via 9th Avenue signal.
Traffic traveling from Peshawar to Lahore should use Taxila Motorway and Tarnol Phatak to Fateh Jang Motorway.
Heavy traffic from Lahore GT Road towards Islamabad and Rawalpindi would be routed through Chak Beli Road and Chakri Motorway.
Islamabad Traffic Police reiterated its commitment to ensuring smooth traffic management and public facilitation during the visit of foreign delegations.