SWABI(National times)- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers on Tuesday staged protest demonstratoin near the Swabi interchange, causing severe traffic jam. The PTI workers completely blocked traffic on both sides of the motorway, leading to long queues of vehicles. According to motorway police, the segment around the M-1 Motorway at Swabi interchange (417KM) remains closed. The PTI workers from Nowshera and Charsadda also joined the demonstration — converging on the Swabi interchange. PTI leader Ahmed Khan Niazi is expected to arrive shortly to address the gathering. The closure of the motorway has caused severe difficulties for travellers, as normal traffic flow has been disrupted.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi admins impose Section 144 amid security concerns

The protest comes amid planned wider demonstrations by PTI, including a coordinated blockade of the Swabi Motorway segment as part of a campaign demanding the release of Imran Khan. The motorway police said that efforts are underway to manage the situation and restore normal movement. Earlier, section 144 was enforced in Islamabad and Rawalpindi after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi called for a protest demanding Imran Khan’s release. Following the KP chief minister’s call for protest, Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations imposed a complete ban on protests, rallies, sit-ins, and public gatherings. The district administrations have announced to proceed with legal measures against protestors and urged citizens to avoid participating in any unlawful gatherings.