Islamabad Set for Major Gridlock as Indonesian President Arrives
Islamabad – Commuters in the federal capital are advised to prepare for significant traffic disruptions today, December 8, and tomorrow, December 9, 2025, as the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issues a comprehensive advisory ahead of the arrival of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, as reported by Dawn.
The two-day official visit, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, will place a heavy burden on key arteries, with authorities warning citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during peak motorcade times.
Heavy Congestion on Key Routes
The most severe impact is anticipated on three of the city’s major routes. According to the ITP advisory, traffic will be heavier than usual on Faisal Avenue, Express Highway, and Srinagar Highway.
Commuters who rely on these routes for daily travel are facing potential delays and are strongly urged to seek alternate paths. The police have deployed personnel across the city to guide traffic and minimize gridlock, but massive backups are still expected.
Schedule of Peak Disruption
The traffic management plan specifies two distinct periods of heightened congestion:
- Monday, December 8th: Traffic is forecast to be heaviest between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM (noon).
- Tuesday, December 9th: Road users should expect significant delays from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Red Zone Closures and Commuter Routes
Security measures around the high-security Red Zone are also set to impact movement. The Express Roundabout and the Marriott gates leading into the Red Zone will be closed on both days. Citizens intending to enter the area are directed to use Serena, NADRA, and Margalla Roads as alternatives.
For commuters traveling between cities, the ITP has issued specific route recommendations to navigate the expected choke points:
| Origin | Destination | Suggested Route (To Avoid Heavy Traffic) |
| Rawalpindi | Islamabad | Use Rawal Road, 9th Avenue, Faqir A. P. Road, and Srinagar Highway. |
| Islamabad | Rawalpindi | Use the path from Zero Point to Srinagar Highway, entering 9th Avenue. |
| Murree/Bhara Kahu | Islamabad | Use the thoroughfare via Ring Road, Bani Gala, Park Road, and Lehtrar Road. |
The public is strongly advised to adhere to the ITP guidelines, plan their journeys well in advance, and utilize suggested alternative routes to mitigate the traffic disruption caused by the high-profile diplomatic visit.
