IHC Seeks Replies on M-1 Motorway Closure

The Islamabad High Court has asked senior officials to explain the closure of the M-1 Motorway, a move that matters for anyone traveling between Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For now, the court has only sought replies. It has not ordered the road reopened, and no final ruling has been reported yet.

Court Issues Notices to Senior Officials

According to a source report at Justice Muhammad Asif heard the petition filed by Advocate Mian Shafqat Jan and issued notices to the interior secretary, communications secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner, and other concerned officials. For background, read our earlier coverage: Pakistan New Motorway Link: Lahore-Sialkot to Islamabad Via Kharian Cuts 100km Travel.

Why Was the M-1 Closure Challenged?

The case started after the lawyer said he was on his way from Islamabad to appear before the Peshawar High Court on September 24 when he found the route blocked near Attock Bridge. The petition argues that closing a public road without a written order, formal notice, or stated reason can harm basic rights and should be treated as unlawful.

Road Closures Can Affect Emergency and Daily Travel

The lawyer’s plea says such closures can affect more than one kind of traveler. Ambulances, students, funeral processions, lawyers, litigants, and people going to work or hospital appointments can all get stuck when a major route is shut without warning.

M-1, M-14 and GT Road Restrictions

A second source report at https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/09/25/lawyer-challenges-m-1-closure-in-ihc says the road restrictions were put in place ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned protest march toward Islamabad on September 27. The reported closures covered the M-1 and other key roads linking the capital with northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including GT Road and the M-14.

The same report says the M-1 was still closed in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange at the time of reporting, while the M-14 was also closed between Hakla and Kundal. It also says the GT Road was blocked at Attock Khurd. These details matter because a shutdown on any one of these roads can force drivers to take longer routes, delay cargo, and disrupt daily travel for families and workers.

What Drivers Should Know

For readers, the biggest takeaway is simple: do not assume a major route will be open just because it is usually open. When political activity affects highway traffic, even a short trip can turn into a long delay. Drivers heading toward Peshawar, Attock, or the capital should check the latest motorway and traffic updates before leaving.

Petition Seeks Protection for Emergency Traffic

The petition also asks the court to make clear that emergency traffic should not be trapped by road blocks. That includes ambulances, medical patients, court users, and people with urgent travel needs.

PTI March Postponed to October 4

PTI has reportedly postponed its September 27 march until October 4, which means travel pressure could continue depending on the next round of security steps and official decisions. The court’s next hearing or the replies from the named authorities may help explain the legal basis for the closure, but for now the situation remains unsettled.

What Happens Next?

For motorists across Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this is a case to watch closely. It may shape how and when major roads can be blocked in future, but it does not yet confirm an immediate reopening.

For more background on M-1-related court action, see Peshawar High Court Suspends M-Tag Fines on M-1 Motorway Until December 10.

For more updates, visit DrivePK.com