Lahore residents should expect major traffic disruptions on Sunday due to the concluding prayers of the annual Raiwind Ijtema. Lahore Traffic Police have announced road closures, one-way traffic arrangements and a phased vehicle evacuation plan.
The special traffic arrangements will remain in place on November 8, 2026. Major roads leading towards Raiwind will remain closed to regular traffic for seven hours. The restrictions will begin at 6:00 AM and continue until 1:00 PM.
The measures aim to manage the movement of thousands of participants leaving the religious gathering. Traffic movement towards Raiwind City and the Ijtema venue will also remain suspended during these hours.
Major Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions
According to the traffic plan, several important routes will operate under temporary one-way arrangements. These restrictions will help manage the expected increase in vehicles after the concluding prayers.
Traffic will move in designated one-way directions along routes connecting Pajian Mor, Qizilbash Chowk and Thokar Niaz Baig. Vehicles carrying Ijtema participants will also follow a one-way route between Bhobtian Chowk and Mohlanwal.
Similar arrangements will apply to Sundar Road, Manga Road, Kot Radha Kishan Road and Sue-e-Asal Road. Traffic police will control vehicle movement along these roads to reduce congestion.
The restrictions are expected to affect routine travel between Lahore and its southern areas. Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Motorway and Ring Road Restrictions
Authorities have also announced special arrangements for motorway and Lahore Ring Road users. Motorists will not be allowed to use exits leading towards Raiwind during the evacuation operation.
Road crossings along Raiwind Road, Manga Road, Sundar Road and Mohlanwal Road will also remain temporarily restricted. Officials said these measures would help keep departure routes clear.
The arrangements aim to prevent traffic conflicts as thousands of vehicles leave the gathering. Police will monitor major roads and diversion points throughout the operation.
Three-Phase Vehicle Evacuation Plan
Chief Traffic Officer Lahore Abdul Rahim Shirazi said authorities had prepared a three-stage evacuation strategy. The plan will allow different vehicle categories to leave the parking areas in an organised manner.
Motorcycles and rickshaws will leave during the first phase. Cars and vans will follow in the second phase. Buses and trucks will depart during the final stage.
The phased system aims to reduce pressure on surrounding roads. It will also help prevent long traffic queues and unnecessary delays.
Lahore Traffic Police have deployed additional traffic wardens for the operation. Office personnel have also been assigned duties in the field. Officials will supervise intersections, diversion points and vehicle departure routes.
CTO Abdul Rahim Shirazi said normal traffic movement would resume gradually. Authorities will restore regular routes as traffic pressure decreases.
Advice for Lahore Residents
Citizens have been advised to avoid Raiwind Road on Sunday morning and afternoon. Motorists should use alternative routes wherever possible. Residents should also allow extra travel time to avoid delays.
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The special arrangements will remain effective until the concluding prayers and vehicle evacuation operation are completed. Traffic police will continue monitoring the situation to ensure smooth movement.
