Twin cities tighten security, suspend transport ahead of US-Iran talks

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 Iran–United States talks in the federal capital.

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.

ضلعی انتظامیہ اسلام آباد/اہم اعلان

وفاقی دارالحکومت میں پبلک اور ہیوی ٹرانسپورٹ کے حوالے سے ضلعی انتظامیہ کا اہم اعلان، شہر میں ہیوی ٹرانسپورٹ اور پبلک ٹرانسپورٹ کو تاحکم ثانی معطل کیا جا رہا ہے، شہریوں سے التماس ہے کہ سیکورٹی اداروں کے ساتھ تعاون کریں, شکریہ

— DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 19, 2026

In Rawalpindi, private, public, and goods transport services have also been halted as a precautionary measure in view of the evolving regional situation.

Read: Iran far from deal despite progress in US negotiations: Ghalibaf

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said, " all private, public and transport is hereby suspended with immediate effect. Further updates will be shared" in his post on X.

All private, public and goods transport in Rawalpindi is hereby suspended with immediate effect. Further updates will be shared.

راولپنڈی میں ہر قسم کی پرائیویٹ، پبلک اور گڈز ٹرانسپورٹ تا حکمِ ثانی معطل رہے گی۔
مزید معلومات سے بروقت آگاہ کیا جائے گا

— DC Rawalpindi (@DCRawalpindi) April 19, 2026

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.

SSP Investigation Islamabad, 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.

ایس ایس پی انویسٹیگیشن محمد عثمان طارق بٹ کا مختلف ڈیوٹی پوائنٹس کا دورہ ۔
سکیورٹی انتظامات کا تفصیلی جائزہ لیا اور ڈیوٹی پر مامور افسران کو بطریقہ احسن ڈیوٹی کی انجام دہی کے حوالے سے ہدایت دیں۔#IslamabadPolice #RedZone #Security #SafeCity pic.twitter.com/QkAPREVhPa

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 19, 2026

Similarly, SSP Operations Judge 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.

ایس ایس پی آپریشنز اسلام آباد قاضی علی رضا کا ریڈ زون اور مختلف ڈیوٹی پوائنٹس کا دورہ ۔
سکیورٹی انتظامات کا تفصیلی جائزہ لیا اور ڈیوٹی پر مامور افسران کو بطریقہ احسن ڈیوٹی کی انجام دہی کے حوالے سے ہدایت دیں۔#IslamabadPolice #SSPOperations #RedZone #Security #SafeCity pic.twitter.com/Fkno9fXF7S

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 19, 2026

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.

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.

Read more: Universities in twin cities go online ahead of expected Iran–US talks

Authorities are also considering the closure and evacuation of seminaries, particularly those located near the high-security zone.

Alternative traffic plan

An alternative traffic plan has been issued in the federal capital in view of the arrival of foreign delegations.

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.

Alternate Traffic Plan in Place

Due to the arrival of foreign delegations in Islamabad, Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed for all kinds of traffic.

Citizens are advised to use alternate routes and cooperate with traffic police to ensure smooth flow… pic.twitter.com/qHO8MI64pL

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 19, 2026

Diversion plan

Under the plan, residents of 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 Tramri Chowk.

Traffic police have been deployed at various points to assist citizens and manage traffic flow.

اسلام آباد آنے کے کونسی راستے کھلے ہیں؟
ٹریفک پولیس کی معلوماتی ویڈیو۔۔#islamabadtalks pic.twitter.com/D16Y5Vjfi8

— Waseem Abbasi (@Wabbasi007) April 19, 2026

Classes online, exams postponed

Several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi announced changes to academic schedules, shifting classes online and postponing examinations ahead of the expected talks in Islamabad.

International Islamic University Islamabad said all classes will be held online from April 20 to 24, according to a notification. The university also postponed mid-term examinations scheduled for April 20 to 21.

The administration introduced a four-day working week for non-teaching staff, from Monday to Thursday, with 50% staff working from home. This policy will remain in place from April 20 to 30.

Separately, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi announced that all classes will be conducted online from April 18 to 26. The university’s main campus will remain closed for one week, according to an official notification.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Medical University has postponed all scheduled examinations for Allied Health Sciences. The university administration said the decision was taken to facilitate students in the prevailing uncertain circumstances.

High alert before high-level talks

Extraordinary security arrangements have also been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the talks. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, and over 600 checkpoints have been established across the city. Authorities have announced that, from midnight tonight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed.

Also read: Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US

A complete ban has been imposed on drone flights, pigeon flying, and aerial firing. Officials say these measures are aimed at ensuring the security of aircraft carrying high-level foreign delegations.

A police spokesperson said that the extraordinary measures are in response to the movement of foreign delegations. A high-level meeting, chaired by Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, was held at Police Lines Headquarters, where directives were issued to ensure foolproof security.

Security measures also include the closing down of all boys’ and girls’ hostels within Rawalpindi until further notice. Police have sent notices to all hostel owners, who have been ordered to vacate their hostels by midnight on Saturday. The warning issued has instructed boys and girls staying in the hostels to return to their homes, with legal action to be taken against those who do not comply.

Federal capital restricted

Security has been put on high alert on sensitive routes in Islamabad as well, with the administration having begun the process of obtaining security certificates from the owners of buildings located on these routes.

However, there has been no official announcement from any of the sides about the timeframe for the next round of talks.

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.