ISLAMABAD (MEDIA REPORT )
Full dress rehearsals for Pakistan Day parade would be held today. Mobile phone services have been suspended till late afternoon and alternate traffic arrangements have been made.
The parade holds a significant place in Pakistan’s history. Last year, the parade was held after a seven-year long gap. It was discontinued due to security reasons as the country fought a war with terrorists.
Mobile coverage is likely to be on-and-off in the area surrounding the parade grounds throughout from 20th to 23rd March and complete shut down on the parade day.
As part of the arrangements and to facilitate commuters special traffic arrangements have been made for March 21 (Monday) and March 23 (Wednesday).
The Expressway will be blocked from Khana Pul up to Faizabad interchange. Faisal Avenue will be blocked from Zero Point to Faizabad interchange. Murree road will be blocked from Faizabad interchange up to Rawal Dam Chowk,
Traffic will be diverted to Lehtarar road towards Tramari Chowk, Rawal Dam Chowk & also Kashmir Chowk. Kashmir high way & Marglla road will remain open. Traffic on Murree road will be diverted to Stadium road & 9th Avenue. Islamabad airport will be approachable from Islamabad via 9th Avenue, Murree Road, Rawal Road and via Kashmir Highway, Peshawar Road and from Rawalpindi via Mall Road and Chaklala,
Heavy vehicles will not be allowed into Islamabad.
Increased traffic police personnel will be deployed to guide motorists to alternate routes to keep sections of the Murree Road, Kashmir Highway and Expressway around the parade venue clear for traffic. In addition to security forces, hundreds of well-equipped policemen will guard the venue, parts of Murree Road and Expressway from the Faizabad interchange up to Rawal Chowk and I-8 fly.