Pakistan police close highways into Islamabad ahead of Imran Khan release protests

Police have sealed off the main highways leading to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, after intelligence reports indicated that supporters of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently serving a prison sentence, intend to stage a march into the city. The closures affect the Islamabad‑Rawalpindi Expressway, the Murree Road and the Chakri Road, with police deploying additional personnel and setting up checkpoints to monitor traffic and prevent any unauthorized entry.

Authorities said the preventive measures are aimed at averting potential disruptions and maintaining public order ahead of the planned demonstration, which is expected to draw large numbers of Sharif’s loyalists from across the Punjab province. Government officials have urged citizens to avoid the affected routes and to cooperate with security forces, while the Interior Ministry confirmed that the highway closures will remain in place until the situation is deemed safe. No incidents have been reported so far, and the police continue to monitor developments closely.