RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday announced the suspension of all public, private and goods transport services until further notice, as security was placed on high alert ahead of the expected next round of US-Iran talks in the federal capital.
Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US 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, with confidence-building measures being pursued to secure a permanent truce.
A second round of talks is expected to be held in Islamabad, as US President Donald Trump announced that his representatives are set to arrive in the Pakistan’s capital tomorrow.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed the suspension of heavy and public transport across the capital in a post on X. “Heavy transport and public transport in the city are being suspended until further order. Citizens are earnestly requested to cooperate with the security agencies. Thank you,” he wrote.
In Rawalpindi, private, public, and goods transport services have also been halted as a precautionary measure in view of the evolving situation.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said, “All private, public and transport is hereby suspended with immediate effect. Further updates will be shared” in a post on X.
The Metro Bus Authority said the Red Metro Bus Service operating in the twin cities has been completely suspended from Sunday. The service will remain closed from Saddar Station in Rawalpindi to Pak Secretariat Station in Islamabad.
The suspension of the Red Metro Bus Service in the twin cities will remain in effect until further orders. The decision has been implemented in accordance with the directives of the district administrations of both cities.
Authorities in both districts said the measures were temporary and aimed at maintaining law and order during the sensitive period.
Rawalpindi police have been placed on high alert, with more than 10,000 personnel deployed across the city. Over 600 special pickets have been established, and strict monitoring is underway at all entry and exit points. Senior officers, including SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehboob and divisional SPs, are overseeing field operations.
Islamabad SSP Investigation Muhammad Usman Tariq Butt visited various duty points and conducted a detailed review of the security arrangements. He issued instructions to officers deployed on duty regarding the proper performance of their responsibilities, Islamabad police posted on X.
Similarly, SSP Operations Ali Raza visited the Red Zone and various duty points. He conducted a detailed review of the security arrangements and issued instructions to the officers on duty regarding the proper performance of their duties, according to the Islamabad police on X.
Officials said police personnel on duty will not be allowed to use mobile phones, and all deployed officers will be required to wear anti-riot gear.
City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani is heading overall command and control arrangements. He said elite commandos, trained snipers, and quick response units — including Elite Force and Dolphin Force teams — have been deployed to ensure comprehensive security.
A total of 18,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed for the operation, with additional forces arriving from Punjab.
Islamabad Police, Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) will also be deployed as part of the security arrangements, working alongside other law enforcement agencies to establish joint checkpoints.
Green belts and service roads along the designated routes will be kept clear during movement operations.
It has also been decided that only properly identified personnel with valid service cards will be allowed access to duty areas along the route.
The capital police and administration have directed the managements of hostels for students and working individuals, as well as hotels, inns and guest houses, to close their premises and lock the buildings until further orders. They warned of strict legal action in case of non-compliance.
Authorities are also considering the closure and evacuation of seminaries, particularly those located near the high-security zone.
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 Srinagar Highway may be closed at intervals during the day.
Officials added that entry of all heavy transport into Islamabad from any direction has been suspended, and transporters have been advised to avoid travelling towards the capital during this period.
Residents have been urged to strictly follow the diversion plan in case of road closures.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Police has closed the entry at Jinnah Avenue near Khyber Plaza, while Club Road has been sealed from Kashmir Chowk.
Diversion plan
Under the plan, residents of Sectors G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6 and F-7 can use Margalla Road and 9th Avenue for 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 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 redirected towards Taramri Chowk.
Traffic police have been deployed at various points to assist citizens and manage traffic flow.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran, and Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.
The war has been on hold since April 8, when Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire.
