Farhan Qureshi 
This week, Islamabad awoke with a sudden Islamabad Traffic shake-up in which the authorities announced that it was closing and diverting roadways across major arteries of the capital. The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued an advisory alert to the commuters informing them that there might be delays during the worst times of the day, the evening hours, and that citizens should plan to avoid the inconvenience and use alternative ways.
Major roads such as Islamabad expressway, Murree road and Club road were also closed down in the evening hours between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, a decision which drastically changed the daily commuting habits. Within the framework of the Islamabad Traffic shake-up, traffic pressure was diverted to Faisal Avenue and highways, which led to traffic congestion in the areas that would otherwise have been flowing smoothly.
What Roads Are Affected and Where to Go Instead
ITP suggested some other routes to alleviate the effects of the Islamabad Traffic shake-up. Drivers who were coming to Islamabad via Rawalpindi were advised to take the Rawal Road, Ninth Avenue, Fakir Epi Road and Srinagar Highway. Those passing towards Rawalpindi were directed through Zero point and Ninth Avenue, whereas commuters going to Bari Imam or Murree were directed towards Korang road, Park road and Lehtrar road.
Traffic police officers were still stationed on problematic roads to control traffic and deal with the people. Officials stressed that such actions were short-term but necessary to ensure order and security at times of high movement. Visit homepage for more updates.
