Metro and Green Line resume as Islamabad roads reopen after week-long closure

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI:

After a week-long suspension, public transport services in Islamabad were restored on Sunday with the Metro bus service and Green Line resuming operations. Several roads, including the Srinagar Highway and the Express Highway, were reopened after the Iranian delegation left Islamabad on Saturday without holding negotiations.

Bus terminals have largely resumed normal operations, except Faizabad, while the red zone remains closed.

Pakistan took center stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries. Although the talks have not yielded the expected results, the ceasefire remains intact and confidence-building measures are being taken to ensure a permanent truce.

A second round of negotiations was due to take place in the capital this week; However, US President Donald Trump on Saturday canceled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan. Iran’s foreign minister also left Pakistan following meetings with senior officials.

Islamabad Police said in an article on X that diversions on the Srinagar Highway and the Express Highway may continue at different times, potentially affecting traffic flow. The capital’s police advised citizens to allow more travel time and cooperate with traffic police.

The DC added that personnel have been deployed on major roads to assist commuters and ensure smooth traffic management. Citizens were also encouraged to follow the police WhatsApp channel for updates.

Quaid-e-Azam University, in a notification issued on Sunday, announced that all academic activities on campus would resume from Monday. However, he added that all austerity measures already implemented will remain in force.

The university, along with several other institutions, had moved to remote learning last week, ahead of planned negotiations.

In Rawalpindi, security was further strengthened in churches on the instructions of municipal police officer Syed Khalid Hamdani. Senior officers supervise arrangements on the ground, while thorough body searches are carried out before entry.

Authorities said all available resources were being used to ensure the protection of religious gatherings and maintain public order. Devotees have been asked to cooperate with security personnel, who are instructed to maintain courteous conduct.

Officials said the overall situation remains under control, and movement restrictions are expected to be gradually eased as operations wind down.

Read: Despite US-Iran standoff, Trump once again praises ‘great’ PM Shehbaz and ‘fantastic’ CDF Munir

Authorities eased traffic restrictions in the twin cities on Saturday evening, reopening public and freight transport and restoring key civic facilities after a week of crackdowns linked to heightened security measures.

The Islamabad administration has allowed all types of transport to enter the city, while bus stations have resumed operations except Faizabad, which will remain closed until further notice.

Public spaces, including hiking trails, parks, Daman-e-Koh and Lake View Park, have also been reopened.

Along with the reopening, the authorities have changed the opening hours through a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon.

According to the updated order, all stores, markets and shopping centers will close at 8 p.m. throughout the week, including weekends.

However, essential services including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations and dairies are exempt. Hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and food stores will close at 10 p.m., while takeaway and home delivery services will remain unlimited.

Learn more: Twin Cities Resume as Travel Restrictions End

In Rawalpindi, the district administration also announced restoration of all entry and exit routes for private, public and goods transport. Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said all lines had been reopened, although the Pirwadhai General Bus Stop would remain closed until further notice.

Officials said public and cargo transportation in Rawalpindi remained suspended last week due to security arrangements ahead of planned U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad. Authorities have now lifted these restrictions, announcing that Pirwadhai and other transport terminals will reopen from Monday morning (tomorrow).

The administration also confirmed the resumption of public transport services. The metro bus service will become fully operational from Sunday, connecting Saddar station in Rawalpindi and Shaheed-e-Millat station in Islamabad, while Parade Ground and Secretariat stations will remain closed until further notice.

Besides, the Punjab government’s electric bus service will also resume from Sunday (today), and all electric vehicle routes across the city will become operational, thereby providing restored intra-city transport facilities to commuters.