Licensing services would continue only at Police Facilitation Centers at F-6, Gulberg Greens, Diplomatic Enclave
Billboards displaying flags of the United States, Pakistan and Iran, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran in the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
All public and private offices and schools within the Red Zone have been instructed to move online, and all government operations in the capital have moved to remote work as authorities seal the entrance to the Red Zone from Monday, ahead of the next scheduled round of US-Iran talks in the federal capital.
Pakistan took center stage as it negotiated a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact and confidence-building measures are being implemented to ensure a permanent truce.
A second round of talks is expected to be held in Islamabad as US President Donald Trump announced on April 19 that his representatives will arrive in Pakistan’s capital today, April 20.
According to an official notification, “all ministries, divisions and other establishments of the federal government located within the Islamabad Red Zone will work from home on Monday, April 20.”
He added that “all officials and secretariat staff will remain at the station and be prepared to attend their duties as and when required at short notice,” with the Cabinet Secretariat issuing the directive on Sunday evening.
In a separate order issued by Islamabad Capital Territory District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon, the district administration announced that “entry into the Red Zone will remain suspended on Monday, April 20,” requesting that “all offices and schools, public and private, situated in the Red Zone may adopt a work-from-home arrangement to avoid any inconvenience.”
An Islamabad Police spokesperson has said that from April 20 until further notice, licensing services will continue only at Police Facilitation Centers at F-6, Gulberg Greens and Diplomatic Enclave, while operations at other centres, including Faizabad Traffic Headquarters, will remain suspended.
Read: Twin cities beef up security, suspend transportation ahead of US-Iran talks
Citizens were advised to follow official advisories and stay updated through Islamabad Traffic Police WhatsApp channel, social media platforms and ITP FM 92.4.
On Sunday, Memon confirmed the suspension of public and heavy transport across the capital, saying, “All heavy and public transport in the city is suspended until further notice. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema issued a similar statement announcing that all private, public and goods transport services in Rawalpindi have also been stopped as a precautionary measure in view of the upcoming talks.”
The sweeping restrictions have disrupted daily life in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where public transport services were suspended on Sunday, leaving passengers stranded. Travelers coming and going from other cities spent hours at bus terminals, while many turned to railway stations as an alternative.
Rail services came under pressure due to increased demand, with large crowds at stations. The Karachi-Peshawar Khyber mail was delayed by three hours and despite the delay, passengers continued to wait in large numbers.
The Metro Bus Authority also said on Sunday that the Red Metro Bus service operating in the Twin Cities has been completely suspended. The service will remain closed from Saddar Station in Rawalpindi to Pak Secretary Station in Islamabad, and the decision will remain in force until further orders.
Officials said the measures were part of comprehensive security arrangements in the federal capital amid high-level talks, aimed at ensuring security and maintaining order during the diplomatic engagement.
Security fixes
Rawalpindi police have been placed on high alert, with more than 10,000 personnel deployed across the city. More than 600 special pickets have been established and strict surveillance is carried out at all entry and exit points. Senior officers including SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehboob and divisional SPs are supervising the field operations.
Read more: Universities move online in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid increased security
Security has been tightened in Islamabad, with police personnel banned from using mobile phones while on duty and required to wear riot gear.
City police officer Khalid Hamdani is supervising the operations, with elite commandos, snipers and rapid response units, including Elite Force and Dolphin Force, deployed. Around 18,000 people, including reinforcements from Punjab, are expected to take part.
Islamabad Police, Pakistan Rangers and Border Corps will jointly man the check posts.
The authorities have ordered that only duly identified personnel be allowed on the service routes, which will be kept clear during movements. Hostels, hotels and guesthouses have been ordered to close until further notice, and warned of legal action for non-compliance, while the closure of seminaries near high-security areas is also being considered.
Alternative traffic plan
Officials said the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed to all types of traffic. The Islamabad Expressway between Koral and Zero Point will also remain closed, while traffic on the Srinagar Expressway may be closed at intervals during the day. Residents have been urged to strictly follow the detour plan in case of road closures.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Police closed the entrance on Jinnah Avenue near Khyber Plaza, while Club Road was sealed from Kashmir Chowk.
According to the plan, residents of sectors G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6 and F-7 can use Margalla Road and 9th Avenue to travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Traffic coming from Faisal Avenue towards Zero Point will be detoured to 9th Avenue.
In case of closure between Zero Point and Koral Chowk, traffic will be diverted via Srinagar Highway to 9th Avenue, then via Stadium Road, Murree Road (Chandni Chowk) and Rawal Road towards Koral.
If Park Road towards Club Road is closed, traffic will be redirected towards Taramri Chowk.
Traffic police have been deployed at various points to help citizens and manage traffic flow.
