Licensing services would continue only at Police Facilitation Centers at F-6, Gulberg Greens, Diplomatic Enclave.
Billboards displaying the flags of the United States, Pakistan and Iran, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
All public and private offices and schools in the red zone have been instructed to go online, and all government operations in the capital have been shifted to remote work as authorities block entry to the red zone starting Monday, ahead of the next round of US-Iran talks scheduled in the federal capital.
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 is expected to take place in Islamabad, with US President Donald Trump announcing on April 19 that his representatives would arrive in the Pakistani capital today, April 20.
According to an official notification, “all ministries, divisions and other establishments of the federal government located in the red zone of Islamabad will work from home on Monday, April 20.”
He added that “all officers and secretarial staff should remain at the post and be ready to report to the office 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, located in the red zone may adopt a work from home arrangement to avoid any inconvenience.”
An Islamabad Police spokesperson said that from April 20 until further notice, clearance services would continue only at police facilitation centers at F-6, Gulberg Greens and Diplomatic Enclave, while operations at other centers, including Faizabad Traffic Headquarters, would remain suspended.
Read: Twin Cities beef up security, suspend transportation ahead of US-Iran talks
Citizens have been advised to follow official advice and stay informed through Islamabad Traffic Police WhatsApp channel, social media platforms and ITP FM 92.4.
On Sunday, Memon confirmed the suspension of heavy and public transport in the capital, saying that 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 suspended as a precautionary measure in view of the upcoming talks.
The draconian 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 to and from other cities spent hours in bus stations, while many turned to train stations as an alternative.
Train services have come under pressure due to increased demand, with large crowds reported at stations. The Khyber Mail from Karachi to Peshawar was delayed by three hours and despite the delay, passengers continued to wait in large numbers.
The Metro Bus Authority also said Sunday that Metro Red Bus service operating in the Twin Cities has been completely suspended. The service will remain closed from Saddar Station in Rawalpindi to Pak Secretariat Station in Islamabad, and the decision will remain in force until further notice.
Authorities said the measures were part of overall security arrangements in the federal capital as part of the high-level talks, aimed at ensuring security and maintaining law and order during the diplomatic engagement.
Safety provisions
Rawalpindi police have been placed on high alert, with more than 10,000 officers deployed across the city. More than 600 special pickets have been established and strict surveillance is underway at all entry and exit points. Senior officers, including Malik Tariq Mehboob, SSP operations, and divisional SPs, supervise the field operations.
Learn more: Universities go online in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid tight security
Security has been tightened in Islamabad, with police officers banned from using cell phones while on duty and required to wear riot gear.
The city’s police officer, Khalid Hamdani, is overseeing operations, with the deployment of elite commandos, snipers and rapid response units, including Elite Force and Dolphin Force. Around 18,000 people, including reinforcements from Punjab, are expected to take part.
Islamabad Police, Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps will jointly manage the checkpoints.
Authorities have ordered that only properly identified personnel be allowed to use service routes, which will remain clear during travel. Hostels, hotels and guest houses have been ordered to close until further notice, with legal action planned for non-compliance, while the closure of seminaries near high security zones is also being considered.
Alternative traffic plan
Authorities said the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone would 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 regular intervals during the day. Residents have been asked to strictly follow the diversion plan in the event of road closures.
Meanwhile, Islamabad police closed the entrance from Jinnah Avenue near Khyber Plaza, while Club Road was closed from Kashmir Chowk.
Under 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 diverted to 9th Avenue.
In case of closure between Zero Point and Koral Chowk, traffic will be diverted via Srinagar Highway towards 9th Avenue, then via Stadium Road, Murree Road (Chandni Chowk) and Rawal Road towards Koral.
If Park Road to Club Road is closed, traffic will be redirected towards Taramri Chowk.
Traffic police have been deployed at different locations to assist citizens and manage traffic.
