Offices, schools move online as Red Zone closes ahead of US-Iran talks

ISLAMABAD:

All public and private offices and schools in the red zone have been instructed to move online and all government operations in the capital have been moved to remote work as authorities block access to the red zone from Monday, ahead of the expected next round of US-Iran talks in the federal capital.

Pakistan took center stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-level 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 pursued to secure a permanent ceasefire.

A second round of talks is expected to be held in Islamabad as US President Donald Trump announced on April 19 that his representatives are set to arrive in Pakistan’s capital today, April 20.

According to an official announcement, “all ministries, departments and other federal government institutions located in the red zone of Islamabad shall work from home on Monday, April 20.”

It added that “all officers and secretarial staff must remain at the station and be prepared to report to the office when required at short notice,” with the Cabinet Secretariat issuing the directive late on Sunday evening.

In a separate order issued by Islamabad Capital Territory District Magistrate, Irfan Nawaz Memon, the district administration announced that “access to the red zone will remain suspended on April 20, Monday,” and requested that “all offices and schools, public and private, located in the red zone may adopt a work from home to avoid inconvenience.”

An Islamabad Police spokesperson has said that from April 20 onwards, the licensing services will continue only at the Police Facilitation Centers in F-6, Gulberg Greens and Diplomatic Enclave, while operations at other centres, including the Faizabad Traffic Headquarters, will remain suspended.

Read: Twin Cities tighten security, suspend transport ahead of US-Iran talks

Citizens were advised to follow official advice and stay updated through the Islamabad Traffic Police WhatsApp channel, social media platforms and ITP FM 92.4.

On Sunday, Memon confirmed the suspension of heavy and public transport across the capital, saying that all “heavy transport and public transport in the city have been suspended for the time being. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema issued a similar statement announcing that all private, public and freight transport services in Rawalpindi have also been stopped as a precautionary measure in view of the upcoming measure.

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 to and from other cities spent hours at bus terminals, while many turned to railway stations as an alternative.

Rail services came under pressure due to rising demand, with large crowds reported at stations. The Karachi-to-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 Secretariat Station in Islamabad and the decision will remain in force until further orders.

Authorities said the measures were part of elaborate security arrangements in the federal capital amid the high-level talks, aimed at ensuring security and maintaining order during the diplomatic engagement.

The Rawalpindi police have been put on high alert, with more than 10,000 personnel deployed across the city. Over 600 special strikes have been established and strict surveillance is underway at all entry and exit points. Senior officers including SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehboob and divisional SPs oversee field operations.

Read more: Universities shift online in Islamabad, Rawalpindi amid heightened security

Security has been tightened in Islamabad, with police personnel barred from using mobile phones while on duty and required to wear anti-riot gear.

City police officer Khalid Hamdani oversees operations, with elite commandos, snipers and rapid reaction units – including Elite Force and Dolphin Force – deployed. About 18,000 personnel, including reinforcements from Punjab, are expected to participate.

Islamabad Police, Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps will jointly man checkpoints.

Authorities have ordered that only properly identified personnel be allowed on guard routes, which will be kept clear during movements. Hostels, hotels and guest houses have been asked to close for the time being, with legal action warned for non-compliance, while the closure of seminars near high-security areas is also under consideration.

Alternative traffic plan

Authorities 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 Highway may be closed intermittently throughout the day. Residents have been urged to follow the diversion plan closely in the event of road closures.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Police has closed the entrance on Jinnah Avenue near Khyber Plaza while Club Road has been 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 for traveling 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 to 9th Avenue, then through Stadium Road, Murree Road (Chandni Chowk) and Rawal Road towards Koral.

If Park Road to Club Road is closed, traffic will be diverted towards Taramri Chowk.

The traffic police have been deployed in various places to help citizens and manage traffic flow.