Citizens in both the twin cities were still bearing enormous inconvenience as mobile data services too were suspended, and it became impossible to use navigation applications or get official alerts. Although Islamabad Police had issued earlier alerts detailing alternative routes, most of the diversions too were closed as well, and thousands of commuters were left stuck in long traffic jams.

In Islamabad, the Red Zone has been fully sealed off, limiting entry to government offices and foreign missions. Margalla Road alone is still partly open for restricted traffic. In Rawalpindi, important connecting roads—such as Waris Khan, Committee Chowk, Sixth Road, Shamsabad, IJP Road, Rawal Road, Shaheen Chowk, Saddar, and the old airport sector—have been closed off.

Trucks have been stationed at strategic points, such as Faizabad, Khanna Pul, Kuri Road, and Dhoke Kala Khan, successfully blockading movement between the two cities. The congestion has also affected air travel, with some flights reported to have been delayed as a result of restricted movement towards Islamabad International Airport.

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Alternate Routes and Diversions

Rawal Dam Chowk:

Traffic from both directions heading toward Faizabad will be diverted.

Commuters traveling from Bara Kahu, Murree, or Islamabad to Rawalpindi should use the route Rawal Dam Chowk, Park Road, Captain Naeem Tufail Shaheed Chowk (Tramri Chowk), Lehtrar Road, Khanna, Expressway.

Those going to the Airport are advised to use Kashmir Chowk, Srinagar Highway.

Garden Flyover:

Residents of I-8 should take Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Club Road, Rawal Dam Chowk, Park Road as an alternate route.

Khanna Pul:

Traffic on both sides of the Expressway heading to Faizabad will be diverted.

Vehicles from Koral towards Islamabad can take Khanna Pul – Lehtrar Road – Tramri Chowk – Park Road – Rawal Dam Chowk.

9th Avenue and IJP Road:

From IJP Road, commuters can use Gohar Shaheed Chowk (Gandum Godam Chowk) – Faqir Aipee Road – Srinagar Highway.

From CDA Double Road, use I-10 Service Road – 9th Avenue – Srinagar Highway for access.

Zero Point to Expressway:

Use Srinagar Highway – Rawal Dam Chowk – Park Road – Lehtrar Road – Khanna Pul – Expressway.

Zero Point to Faizabad via Faisal Avenue:

Travelers from Islamabad to Rawalpindi should use Zero Point – Srinagar Highway – 9th Avenue as an alternative route.

People have been advised by authorities to remain informed through official sources and to avoid unnecessary commuting until the situation improves.