Metro bus service partially suspended in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The metro bus service in the federal capital has partially been suspended until Monday as part of security measures for the Youm-e-Ali processions, and Pakistan Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. 

The service is operating only between Saddar in Rawalpindi and Faiz Ahmed Faiz metro station, while operations remain completely suspended between Faiz Ahmed Faiz station and Pak Secretariat in Islamabad. 

The suspension follows directives from the deputy commissioner of Rawalpindi, who ordered the closure of the metro bus service until Monday due to security concerns related to the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA) (Youm-e-Ali) and preparations for the Pakistan Day on March 23. 

However, after the Youm-e-Ali processions, limited service from Saddar to Faiz Ahmed Faiz stations has been restored.

Similarly, metro bus services and public transport remain operational from Khanna Pul to Islamabad. 

Meanwhile, security has been tightened ahead of the Pakistan Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

A special traffic plan has been issued, barring the entry of heavy vehicles into Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

According to a National Highway and Motorway Police (NH&MP) spokesperson, a complete ban on the entry of heavy vehicles, including trucks, passenger vans and transport vehicles into the twin cities will be imposed from 12:00 pm March 22 till 3:00 pm March 23.

All heavy vehicular traffic coming from Peshawar via GT road towards the twin cities will be stopped at Taxila, while all vehicles coming from Peshawar through the motorway will be stopped at Burhan Interchange.

All heavy vehicles coming from Lahore via motorway will be stopped at Chakri Interchange while those coming via GT road will be stopped at Mandra toll plaza.

All heavy vehicles coming from Kashmir and Murree will be stopped 20 km before the 17 meel toll plaza.

The spokesperson said that all owners and drivers of large vehicles are advised to avoid travelling from Rawalpindi to Islamabad from 12:00 noon on March 22 to 3:00 pm on March 23 and ensure their stay at a safe location to avoid any inconvenience.

Web Desk