Protests Escalate Three Major Motorways Shut Down Again in 2025
Heavy protests erupted across multiple regions of Pakistan in early 2025, leading to the complete shutdown of three major motorways once again. Commuters on M1 (Islamabad–Peshawar), M2 (Lahore–Islamabad), and M3 (Lahore–Multan) faced severe disruptions as protesters staged sit-ins and roadblocks, halting intercity transport for several hours. Long queues of vehicles stretched for miles, with families, transporters, and office workers stranded in freezing early morning conditions.
Eyewitnesses reported that protesters gathered at key interchanges, blocking lanes and burning tires to halt traffic. Authorities tried diverting vehicles to alternative routes, but most nearby link roads also became jam-packed due to sudden overflow. Ambulances, school vans, and cargo trucks remained stuck for hours, sparking outrage among citizens. Passengers reported being stuck without water, food, or access to washrooms, as petrol stations along the motorway refused entry due to security restrictions.
Despite repeated warnings from the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP), protesters refused to disperse until their demands were addressed. Meanwhile, law enforcement maintained a stance of restraint, avoiding forceful clearance to prevent escalation into violence. Local police and Rangers were deployed at major interchanges but were instructed to negotiate with protest leaders rather than take direct action.
This is not the first time motorways have been shut down due to political or civil unrest. Over the past six months, motorway closures have occurred more than five times, disrupting supply chains, delaying medical transfers, and causing millions in economic losses. Transport associations have strongly condemned the repeated blockades, calling for a legal ban on public protests on national highways due to the risks posed to human life.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated through official NHMP alerts. However, social media is flooded with angry reactions from stranded passengers demanding swift resolution.
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✅ Who Is Allowed to Travel During Motorway Closures? (Eligibility / Exemptions)
During nationwide road blockades, limited movement is allowed for:
- Ambulances and emergency medical transport
- Fire brigade and rescue services
- Law enforcement and government duty vehicles
- Media personnel with valid press identification
- Food supply and fuel transportation trucks permitted on case-by-case basis
- Passengers with medical emergencies upon verification
However, in most cases, even exempted vehicles face delays unless escorted by authorities.
FProtests Escalate Three Major Motorways Shut Down Again FAQs:
1. Which motorways are currently closed?
M1, M2, and M3 have been partially or fully blocked due to protests.
2. Can I travel at night during closures?
Travel is highly discouraged; blockades often continue late into the night.
3. Are alternative routes available?
Provincial highways are open but heavily congested due to diversions.
4. Are passengers being helped by authorities?
NHMP teams are present but overwhelmed due to large-scale blockages.
6. Is airline travel affected?
Passengers traveling to airports via motorways are facing delays and missed flights.
7. Are buses and goods transport suspended?
Many intercity bus services have halted bookings until routes reopen.
8. How long will the blockade last?
No official timeline has been given yet; it depends on negotiations with protest groups.
9. Can protests on motorways be legally challenged?
Yes, blocking national highways is a criminal offense, but enforcement remains complex.
10. How can I stay updated?
Follow NHMP Helpline 130, official Twitter alerts, and local news updates.
🛑 Conclusion A Nation Held Hostage on Its Highways
The repeated closure of Pakistan’s major motorways has exposed a serious governance and security challenge. While peaceful protest is a democratic right, blocking national highways endangers lives, disrupts commerce, and cripples mobility for millions. Ordinary citizens — not policymakers — suffer the worst consequences of such shutdowns.
The government must formulate a strict national policy regarding highway blockades, ensuring that protests take place in designated public spaces rather than on lifelines like motorways. Similarly, protest organizers must act responsibly, raising their voices without putting innocent travelers at risk.
Until a lawful and balanced system is established, citizens must stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep emergency supplies in vehicles. The repeated closure of three major motorways in 2025 is a clear warning that Pakistan urgently needs better crisis management strategies — before a traffic jam turns into a national tragedy.
The repeated closure of Pakistan’s motorways due to protests has become a recurring national crisis, affecting millions of commuters and putting lives at risk. While citizens have every right to protest, blocking national highways — which serve as lifelines for trade, transport, and medical emergencies — cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Authorities must now enforce stricter protocols against road blockages and create designated protest zones where citizens can raise their voices without disrupting essential travel routes. At the same time, the government must address root causes of public unrest, rather than allowing tensions to escalate to the streets.
If this cycle continues, Pakistan risks economic losses, logistical breakdowns, and public despair, all caused by avoidable mismanagement. Instead of confrontation, dialogue and structured negotiation should be the path forward.
In the end, true democracy is not about who shouts the loudest on highways, but who resolves problems without punishing innocent travelers. Pakistan needs order, not chaos — and leadership must ensure that.
