# M-1 motorway open again: Islamabad to Peshawar reopened after 5-day closure, M-14 still shut

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/pakistan/m1-motorway-reopened-islamabad-peshawar)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable
Published: 28 Sept 2026
Updated: 28 Sept 2026
Retrieved: 30 Sept 2026

> NH&MP reopened the M-1 in both directions on 28 September after a closure tied to PTI's planned march. The M-14 between Hakla and Kundal is still being restored, and repair work slows parts of the M-2, M-3 and M-4.

Checking the **M1 motorway** before you drive? The Islamabad to Peshawar motorway (M-1) was **reopened to traffic in both directions** on Monday, 28 September 2026, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) announced. The N-5 GT Road between the two cities is open too.

## What happened

| | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closure announced | 22 September 2026 |
| Closed section | Islamabad Toll Plaza to Chachh Interchange, including Tarnol, Sangjani, Brahma Bahter and Burhan interchanges |
| Reason given | Security arrangements ahead of PTI's planned march on Islamabad |
| Reopened | 28 September 2026, both directions |

PTI had planned the march for 27 September to demand the release of its founder Imran Khan, held in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. Dawn reports that the march has now been moved to **4 October**, and the Punjab government has Section 144 (a ban on gatherings) in force with Rangers deployed in several districts until **5 October**. That means another round of road closures is possible next weekend, so check before you travel.

## What is still closed or slow

- **M-14 (Islamabad to Dera Ismail Khan motorway)** between **Hakla and Kundal**: restoration work is still going on.
- The **loop connecting M-1 to the Hazara Motorway**: still being restored. For Abbottabad, the route used during the closure still works: leave the M-1 at Burhan Interchange, take the GT Road through Hasan Abdal and rejoin the Hazara Motorway at Jhary Kas Interchange.
- **M-2 (Islamabad to Lahore)**: repair work at Akhoon di Bandi, Balkasar, Capital Smart City, Neela Dulha and Kallar Kahar between Kot Momin and Islamabad, and more work between Kot Momin and Lahore.
- **M-3**: repairs between Lahore and Abdul Hakeem.
- **M-4**: repairs between Pindi Bhattian and Abdul Hakeem.
- **E-35** between Burhan and Thakot, and several points on the N-5.

NH&MP has asked drivers to slow down through work zones and follow the signs.

## Before you set off

1. Call the motorway police helpline **130** for the live position on any section.
2. Budget extra time on the M-2 near Kallar Kahar and Balkasar.
3. Rain hit Islamabad and Rawalpindi this morning; see the [Islamabad weather](/weather/islamabad) page for the afternoon.
4. Work out your fuel for the trip with the [fuel cost calculator](/tools/cars/fuel-cost-calculator). Petrol is Rs 391.30 a litre ([today's petrol price](/data/petrol-price)).

We will update this page if the motorways close again before the 4 October march.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is the M-1 motorway open today?**

Yes. NH&MP reopened the Islamabad to Peshawar M-1 in both directions on 28 September 2026. The M-14 between Hakla and Kundal is still under restoration.

**Why was the M-1 motorway closed?**

It was closed from 22 September as part of security arrangements ahead of PTI's planned march on Islamabad, which has since been moved to 4 October.

## Sources

- Islamabad-Peshawar motorway reopened to traffic following 'indefinite' closure (Dawn): https://www.dawn.com/news/2033234/islamabad-peshawar-motorway-reopened-to-traffic-following-indefinite-closure
- M-1 Motorway reopens to all traffic after five-day closure (ARY News): https://arynews.tv/m-1-motorway-reopens-to-all-traffic-after-five-day-closure
- Motorway Police issue traffic advisory on repair work along M-2, M-3 and M-4 (ARY News): https://arynews.tv/motorway-police-issue-traffic-advisory-on-repair-work-along-m-2-m-3-and-m-4

How to cite: "M-1 motorway open again: Islamabad to Peshawar reopened after 5-day closure, M-14 still shut", Searchable, 28 Sept 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/pakistan/m1-motorway-reopened-islamabad-peshawar