No major roads in Rawalpindi have been completely closed, although police presence remains strong and surveillance continues
Pakistani police officer diverts motorcyclists from a road leading to Serena hotel as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad April 22, 2026. Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI:
Security eased in parts of the twin cities on Wednesday as authorities opened some routes; however, the red zone in the capital remained sealed amid the uncertain arrival of American and Iranian delegations.
Earlier this week, district administrations sealed access to the red zone, instructing all public and private offices and schools in the area to switch to online operations, while government work in the capital was moved to remote events. Heavy and public transport across the capital was also suspended.
The Red Zone remained closed for a third day in a row today, with staff from both public and private offices instructed to work from home.
According to Islamabad’s deputy commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, all entry points to the red zone were sealed and police and other law enforcement agencies are maintaining strict checkpoints. Srinagar Highway towards Serena was closed from Zero Point while Kashmir Chowk was also closed for general traffic.
Read more: Offices, schools move online as Islamabad Red Zone closes ahead of US-Iran talks
He added that the bus terminals at Faizabad and Karachi Company remained closed and metro bus service across the city continued to be suspended. “Bus stops and intercity transport terminals across the city also remained closed, but the bus terminal at 26 Number Chungi has been reopened to the public.”
In Islamabad’s blue zone, the commercial market remained closed. Jinnah Avenue, from Khayaban-e-Suharwardy (Khyber Plaza) to Parliament House, was also closed to traffic while metro bus service remained suspended.
However, other markets throughout the city remained open and operated as normal. The educational institutions in the capital also functioned without disruption.
In Rawalpindi, security remained on high alert, particularly around the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport and along the Islamabad Expressway service roads, with malls and wedding halls in the surrounding areas remaining closed.
According to the traffic police, markets, hostels and hotels in Faizabad area along Murree Road also remained closed with continued heavy police presence. But other markets in the city and canton areas operated with continued routine business activity.
No major roads in Rawalpindi were completely closed, although police presence remained strong and checks continued. Traffic, including light transport vehicles and private cars, moved on the Grand Trunk Road and other major routes.
Read also: Trump listens to CDF Munir, PM’s call for ceasefire
Pakistan took center stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-level talks in Islamabad involving senior delegations from the two countries earlier this month. Although the negotiations did not produce the desired results, the ceasefire remained intact and confidence-building measures were pursued to secure a permanent ceasefire.
Last night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Defense Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the ceasefire, which was set to expire within hours, would remain in place until Iran presented a comprehensive plan and negotiations reached a final outcome.
The two sides were due to meet in the capital for the second and final round of talks, but no date has been confirmed.
