ISLAMABAD: The federal capital prepared for major traffic disruption on Sunday after authorities issued an advisory imposing widespread road closures and alternate routes ahead of the arrival of foreign delegations for high-level talks between Iran and the United States.
The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) warned that the Red Zone and the extended Red Zone will remain completely closed to all types of traffic. The expressway from Korang to Zero Point will also be shut, and movement on Srinagar Highway may be stopped intermittently. Entry of all heavy traffic into Islamabad from any direction or highway is prohibited during the measures, the advisory said, urging owners of heavy vehicles to avoid travel towards the capital to prevent inconvenience.
ٹریفک ایڈوائزری جاری !!!
اسلام آباد میں غیر ملکی وفود کی آمد پر متبادل ٹریفک پلان !
ریڈزون اور توسیعی ریڈزون ہر قسم کی ٹریفک کے لیے مکمل طور پر بند رہے گا۔
کورال سے زیرو پوائنٹ تک ایکسپریس وے ہر قسم کی ٹریفک کے لیے بند ہوگا
سری نگر ہائی وے پر بھی مختلف اوقات میں ٹریفک روکی… pic.twitter.com/l7ixRIO9cs
— Awais Yousaf Zai (@awaisReporter) April 19, 2026
Key alternate routes and diversions announced for residents and commuters include:
– Residents of G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6 and F-7 are advised to use Margalla Road via 9th Avenue for travel to and from Rawalpindi.
– Traffic to and from Zero Point on Faisal Avenue will be diverted towards 9th Avenue.
– If the section from Zero Point to Korang Chowk is closed, motorists can reach Korang via Srinagar Highway → 9th Avenue → Stadium Road → Murree Road → Chandni Chowk → Rawal Road.
– Closure between Park Road and Club Road will see traffic diverted via Tramri Chowk.
– Commuters between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi should use Korang Road → Bhun Naghal → Lehtrar Road.
– Travel between Rawalpindi Saddar and Islamabad can use Colonel Sher Khan Road → Faqir Appi Road or 9th Avenue.
– Heavy vehicles from GT Road (Peshawar to Lahore) are advised to use the Taxila Motorway → Chakri Interchange → Chak Beli Road → Rawat GT Road.
– Heavy vehicles from GT Road (Lahore to Peshawar) should proceed via GT Road to Rawat, onto Chak Beli Road, then Chakri Interchange and the Motorway toward Taxila.
The ITP asked commuters to follow the Islamabad Traffic Police WhatsApp channel and ITP social media pages, and to tune to ITP FM 92.4 for ongoing updates and guidance.
Security sources said the restrictions form part of heightened measures to secure the capital while delegations attend discussions; officials urged citizens to plan travel carefully and comply with traffic directions to avoid disruption.
Twin cities grind to halt as Islamabad braces for Iran–US talks
