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

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.

Published 2 min read

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 announced22 September 2026
Closed sectionIslamabad Toll Plaza to Chachh Interchange, including Tarnol, Sangjani, Brahma Bahter and Burhan interchanges
Reason givenSecurity arrangements ahead of PTI's planned march on Islamabad
Reopened28 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 page for the afternoon.
  4. Work out your fuel for the trip with the fuel cost calculator. Petrol is Rs 391.30 a litre (today's petrol price).

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

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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.
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