Islamabad Rawalpindi Traffic Plan for Iranian President Visit

The Islamabad Capital Police rolled out a special traffic management plan from midnight on June 23, 2026, for the one-day official visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Heavy vehicles face a complete ban from entering Islamabad until further notice. Most Red Zone entry points stay shut, with only limited access via Margalla Road and Marriott. Several key roads see full or partial closures. Commuters in both cities will feel the impact.

This happens during a high-profile diplomatic trip focused on strengthening ties, trade, energy cooperation, and regional stability after recent US-Iran developments. Security comes first, but daily life takes a hit for many.

What’s Closed and When

• Heavy traffic ban: All kinds of heavy vehicles banned from entering Islamabad from 12:00 AM onward, regardless of route. This lasts until further orders.

• Red Zone: Almost all entry points closed except Margalla Road and Marriott access.

• Major roads affected:

- Expressway (sections from Koral to Faizabad)

- Murree Road

- Club Road

- Srinagar Highway (Zero Point to Dhokri Chowk, fully closed)

Metro bus service in Islamabad remains suspended today. Some services in Rawalpindi operate with limits. Train services also face restrictions.

These measures support secure movement for the president and delegation. VIP movements between the airport and the Red Zone may happen without much prior notice.

Alternate Routes to Use

Police shared clear diversions. Plan ahead and add extra time—delays of 45 minutes to an hour or more are likely.

Key alternatives:

• Traffic from Faisal Avenue to Zero Point → diverted via 9th Avenue.

• Zero Point to Koral Chowk closed? Use Srinagar Highway → 9th Avenue → Stadium Road → Murree Road via Chandni Chowk → Rawal Road.

• Club Road closed from Park Road → divert to Taramri Chowk.

• Bharakahu to Rawalpindi → Korang Road, Bani Gala, Lehtrar Road.

• Rawalpindi Saddar to Islamabad → Colonel Sher Khan Road via Faqir Api Road or 9th Avenue.

GT Road heavy traffic diversion:

• Peshawar to Lahore: Taxila → Motorway → Chakri Interchange → Chak Beli Road → Rawat GT Road.

• Lahore to Peshawar: Rawat → Chak Beli Road → Chakri Interchange → Motorway → Taxila.

These routes help keep goods movement flowing while protecting the visit.

Why This Matters for Daily Commuters

Living or working in the Twin Cities means you already deal with traffic. Today it gets worse. Office-goers, students, businesses, and transporters face real headaches.

Many people worry about reaching work on time, picking up kids, or delivering goods. Small businesses near affected roads lose footfall. Delivery services slow down.

The visit highlights Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy, which brings long-term benefits. But short-term pain feels immediate when you sit in a jam.

Tips to Navigate the Day Smoothly

• Check live updates from Islamabad Traffic Police or official apps before leaving.

• Leave earlier than usual. Build in buffer time.

• Avoid non-essential travel through Red Zone or main arteries.

• Use public transport where it runs (check Rawalpindi metro/bus status).

• For heavy goods: Follow GT Road diversions strictly.

• Carpool or work from home if your office allows, especially in Red Zone areas.

Stay patient. Law enforcement personnel work hard to manage this safely.

Broader Context of the Visit

President Pezeshkian’s trip follows Pakistan’s mediation efforts in recent regional tensions. Discussions likely cover bilateral trade, the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, border security, and economic ties.

Such visits strengthen relations but require tight security. Similar plans happened during past high-level events, and restrictions are usually lift once the visit ends.

What to Expect Next

Authorities say the plan stays in place “until further notice.” Restrictions may ease after the delegation departs. Keep an eye on official announcements for updates.

For transporters and businesses, today tests planning. For regular commuters, it’s a reminder to stay flexible.

Drive carefully. Cooperate with traffic personnel. These measures aim to keep everyone safe during an important day for Pakistan-Iran relations.

If you head out, use the alternate routes mentioned and give yourself extra time. Safe travels. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com