Islamabad Gridlock Worsens Amid Poorly Managed VVIP Movements

ISLAMABAD: Severe traffic congestion was reported across several major roads of the federal capital on Tuesday as high-profile movements associated with the visit of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the presence of the Sri Lankan national cricket team placed additional pressure on Islamabad’s road network.

Srinagar Highway Among Worst-Affected Routes

Srinagar Highway was among the major arteries affected, while motorists also reported slow-moving traffic and lengthy queues on connecting roads. Commuters said journeys that would ordinarily take considerably less time were prolonged as vehicles accumulated at key junctions and diversion points.

The situation prompted criticism from motorists over traffic management and the communication of alternative routes. Sources and commuters told Islamabad Tribune that, despite the visits being scheduled in advance, information about diversions and alternative routes either did not reach many road users early enough or proved insufficient once congestion began building.

An alternative-route plan was reported for parts of Islamabad on Tuesday, including routes through Srinagar Highway, 9th Avenue, 7th Avenue, Garden Avenue and other corridors because of road restrictions and construction around Club Road and Kashmir Chowk. However, heavy traffic continued to be reported on several approaches.

UN Chief’s Visit Adds Traffic Pressure

The traffic pressure coincided with the start of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ three-day official visit to Pakistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Guterres is visiting Pakistan from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. His programme includes meetings with Pakistan’s senior leadership as well as visits to UNMOGIP headquarters and the National Disaster Management Authority.

At the same time, the Sri Lankan men’s cricket team is in Islamabad ahead of its three-match T20 International series against Pakistan. Radio Pakistan confirmed that the team arrived in Islamabad on October 5, while the Pakistan Cricket Board says the matches will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 11 and 13.

The overlap of diplomatic and sporting movements has created an unusually demanding period for security and traffic authorities, particularly on routes connecting Islamabad’s diplomatic area, major hotels, Srinagar Highway and Rawalpindi.

Motorists Raise Concerns Over Diversion Information

For many commuters, however, the central concern was not the security arrangements themselves but whether traffic restrictions were communicated early and widely enough to allow residents to change their routes before reaching congested areas.

Motorists reported extended queues on sections of Srinagar Highway and adjoining roads, with some claiming lines of vehicles stretched for kilometres. Islamabad Tribune could not independently verify the precise length of every queue or establish the exact time at which each official diversion advisory was circulated.

Islamabad Police identifies 1915 as its dedicated traffic information helpline and says traffic updates are also shared through official communication channels.

The congestion has renewed attention on the need for a more proactive traffic-management system during pre-planned VVIP and international sporting movements. Advance notifications, location-specific diversion maps and real-time digital updates could help motorists make route decisions before entering affected corridors.

With the UN Secretary-General’s visit continuing until October 8 and Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricket fixtures beginning in Rawalpindi on October 9, traffic management is expected to remain an important issue for commuters across the twin cities over the coming days.