Islamabad Traffic Update: Constitution Avenue closed amid Govt Employees’ Protest

ISLAMABAD – Islamabad Police have shut down Constitution Avenue after government employees staged a protest in the federal capital, triggering major traffic disruptions around the Red Zone ahead of Budget 2026-27. Authorities urged the masses to avoid unnecessary travel toward high-security area, warning that traffic flow remains severely affected due to the ongoing demonstration. In an advisory, Islamabad Police directed commuters to use alternative routes, including Bari Imam route for access to Margalla Road, to avoid congestion and delays. Officials stressed that motorists should plan their journeys carefully and opt for alternate roads to ensure smoother traffic movement and avoid inconvenience. Police have also asked the public to stay informed through their official social media platforms and FM 92.4 for the latest traffic updates as the situation develops. Government employees staged major protest in Islamabad on Friday, demanding salary increases, pension relief and service structure reforms ahead of the Federal Budget 2026-27. Organised by the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA), the demonstration saw workers from across the country march toward Parliament House after days of protests outside the Ministry of Finance. Protesters vowed to continue their sit-in until their demands are accepted. The alliance is seeking revised pay scales, merger of allowances into basic pay, higher salaries and allowances, reversal of pension reforms, tax relief for teachers and researchers, and regularisation of contract employees. Tensions rose when protesters attempted to move toward Parliament House, leading to clashes with Islamabad Police. Law enforcement personnel used batons to stop the march as demonstrators pressed ahead with their demands. The protest comes as the government prepares to unveil the federal budget, with employees urging authorities to provide meaningful financial relief amid rising economic pressures. PM agrees to Rs25bn development packag