PHC orders KP highways reopened as PTI road protests disrupt traffic

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed authorities to immediately clear and reopen highways and major roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that were blocked due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests linked to concerns over the medical treatment of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

In a written order issued on Tuesday, the court instructed police to restore traffic flow without delay after being told that prolonged closures were causing widespread hardship. The bench noted submissions that emergency patients suffered during travel disruptions and that the public faced serious difficulties as key arteries remained shut.

Traffic remained affected on several intercity routes as PTI workers continued sit-ins, including at points on the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway and the Hazara Motorway. Commuters were advised in some areas to use alternate routes such as the GT Road.

During proceedings, the PHC summoned senior provincial officials, including the KP advocate general, inspector general of police and the chief secretary. The court recorded that officials acknowledged the closures and expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken to address the situation, directing the police leadership to ensure roads are not blocked.

Separately, a petition was also moved in the Federal Constitutional Court challenging the road blockades. The petitioner warned that continued shutdowns during Ramadan could disrupt supply chains and lead to shortages of essential goods across the province.

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