Authorities in Punjab have begun preparations to potentially block key bridges over the Chenab and Jhelum rivers as security arrangements intensify ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s planned September 27 march towards Islamabad.
Heavy vehicles have been positioned near the bridges, while sandbags are being prepared for possible use as roadblocks, according to reports from Gujrat.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has also been stopping some heavy goods vehicles at different locations along GT Road.
However, the preparations do not necessarily mean both bridges are completely closed to normal traffic.
Private cars, rickshaws and mini-trucks were still being allowed to cross the Chenab and Jhelum bridges when the arrangements were reported.
Authorities say any decision to completely block the routes will depend on the movement and size of PTI convoys travelling towards Islamabad.
What Is Happening at the Chenab and Jhelum Bridges?
Local authorities have started positioning equipment that could be used to restrict movement across two strategically important river crossings in the Gujrat region.
According to Dawn, scores of heavy vehicles have been parked near the Chenab and Jhelum bridges.
Sand is also being filled into sacks near the bridges so that the bags can be used as part of roadblocks if required.
NHMP personnel have meanwhile been stopping additional heavy vehicles, particularly goods transport vehicles, at different locations in the district.
The measures indicate that authorities are preparing for the possibility of restricting GT Road traffic if large PTI convoys attempt to travel towards Islamabad.
Are the Chenab and Jhelum Bridges Closed?
Not necessarily.
This distinction is important for travellers.
At the time of the initial report, private cars, rickshaws and mini-trucks were still being allowed to cross the bridges.
Heavy vehicles were facing greater restrictions.
A senior law-enforcement official told Dawn that the situation was being monitored and that the decision to actually block the bridges would depend on the movement and strength of PTI convoys.
The official also said that police contingents had not yet been deployed at the bridges when the report was filed.
Traffic conditions could therefore change quickly as September 27 approaches.
Why These Bridges Matter
The Chenab and Jhelum crossings form important parts of the N-5/GT Road corridor connecting Lahore, Gujranwala and Gujrat with Jhelum, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
That makes them strategically important for anyone travelling north towards the federal capital by GT Road.
For political convoys originating in Lahore, Gujranwala and surrounding districts, restrictions at these river crossings could significantly disrupt movement towards Islamabad.
The same restrictions, however, could also affect commercial transport and ordinary travellers.
This is why the difference between security preparations and an actual road closure matters.
Authorities May Avoid Digging Trenches This Time
Officials indicated that authorities may not use some of the more disruptive measures employed during previous protest movements.
In the past, trenches were reportedly dug near important river crossings during efforts to prevent long marches organised by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Local administration and police sources told Dawn that trenches may not be dug near the Chenab and Jhelum bridges during the current preparations.
Instead, authorities appear to be preparing movable barriers involving heavy vehicles and sandbags.
Such arrangements could allow routes to be restricted or reopened depending on developments.
PTI Plans September 27 Islamabad March
PTI has announced a march towards Islamabad for September 27, 2026.
The party says the demonstration is intended to press for the release of its founder, former prime minister Imran Khan.
Security preparations have consequently expanded across Islamabad and several districts of Punjab.
The planned march has also resulted in heightened security arrangements around routes that could be used by political workers travelling towards the capital.
Authorities Monitoring Convoys From Lahore and Gujranwala
The GT Road corridor is particularly important because PTI workers travelling from central Punjab could use it to reach Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Law-enforcement sources cited by Dawn expressed doubt about whether large PTI convoys from Lahore and Gujranwala would be able to move through the region under the security measures being prepared.
That assessment represents the view of the officials quoted in the report rather than an established prediction of protest turnout.
PTI representatives, meanwhile, have accused authorities of conducting raids against party workers ahead of the planned demonstration.
Local PTI sources told Dawn that many activists had gone into hiding to avoid arrest.
KP Chief Minister Has Visited the Region
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi recently visited several districts as part of efforts to mobilise supporters ahead of the march.
His tour included:
- Gujrat
- Sialkot
- Wazirabad
- Jhelum
Dawn reported that there had been limited visible mobilisation in these areas following the visits.
Local PTI representatives attributed that situation to security measures and what they described as the Punjab government’s strict approach towards the party.
More Than 43,000 Police Personnel Planned for Rawalpindi Division
Preparations extend well beyond the Chenab and Jhelum crossings.
More than 43,000 police personnel are planned for deployment across Rawalpindi division, according to a separate security plan reported by Dawn.
The reported deployment includes personnel assigned to Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Murree and Chakwal.
The largest deployment is planned for Attock, which represents a strategically important approach towards Islamabad for convoys travelling from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities also plan numerous blocking points and police pickets across the region.
Containers Being Prepared Across the Region
Road containers are also expected to form part of the security arrangements.
According to the reported plan, 126 containers are designated for possible placement in Murree, Jhelum and Chakwal.
The breakdown includes:
| District | Containers Planned |
|---|---|
| Jhelum | 76 |
| Murree | 25 |
| Chakwal | 25 |
| Total | 126 |
Their presence does not necessarily mean all affected roads will remain permanently closed.
Authorities have indicated that restrictions could be introduced depending on the movement of protesters.
Rangers Deployment Also Requested
The Punjab government has separately asked the federal government for Pakistan Rangers personnel to assist police in maintaining law and order.
The request covers Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali for the period from September 22 until October 5.
According to the request, Punjab sought:
- Three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, including two for Taxila
- Five Rangers wings for Attock
- One company for Jhelum
- One company for Mianwali
This was a request for deployment, and should be distinguished from confirmation that all requested Rangers units had already been deployed.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad Could Initially Remain Open
Despite the extensive preparations, authorities have reportedly adopted a strategy intended to avoid unnecessarily disrupting public movement before protest convoys approach the region.
Police sources said preparations would remain in place while normal movement continued, with additional restrictions introduced depending on developments.
This means road users should not assume that every route identified in security plans is already closed.
The situation may instead change in stages.
What Travellers Should Know
Anyone planning to travel between Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi and Islamabad around September 24-27 should monitor road conditions before departure.
Potentially affected routes include:
- N-5 / GT Road
- Chenab River crossing
- Jhelum River crossing
- Routes through Gujrat
- Routes through Jhelum
- Approaches to Rawalpindi
- Islamabad entry points
Heavy commercial vehicles may face restrictions earlier than passenger vehicles.
Because security decisions can be implemented quickly, a road that is open in the morning may face restrictions later in the day.
Alternative Routes May Also Face Restrictions
Drivers should not automatically assume that motorways or smaller connecting roads will provide an unrestricted alternative.
Security arrangements ahead of major demonstrations can involve multiple entry points simultaneously.
Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree are all included in wider security preparations.
Travellers should therefore verify current motorway and highway conditions rather than relying solely on normal navigation-app routing.
Why Authorities Are Using a Flexible Strategy
The current preparations appear designed to give law-enforcement agencies the ability to respond according to the size and movement of protest convoys.
Heavy vehicles, containers and sandbags can be positioned in advance and then used to restrict roads if authorities decide a blockade is necessary.
This approach can potentially reduce disruption compared with closing major transport corridors several days before a demonstration.
However, uncertainty over when restrictions might begin can itself create problems for commuters, freight operators and intercity travellers.
What Happens Next?
The key period will be the days immediately preceding PTI’s planned September 27 Islamabad march.
Authorities are expected to monitor political mobilisation and the movement of convoys from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Additional restrictions could be introduced if large groups begin moving towards Islamabad.
For now, the most important point for motorists is that preparations to potentially block the Chenab and Jhelum bridges are underway, but reports of preparations should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation that both crossings are completely closed to ordinary traffic.
Travellers using GT Road should continue checking the latest traffic situation as the protest date approaches.