Red Zone off limits as routes reopen

Security, traffic curbs ease in parts of twin cities

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI:

Security was eased in parts of the twin cities on Wednesday as authorities reopened some routes; however, the Red Zone in the capital remained sealed amid the uncertain arrival of American and Iranian delegations.

Earlier in the week, district administrations had sealed entry to the Red Zone, directing all public and private offices, as well as schools within the area, to shift to online operations. Government work in the capital was also moved to remote arrangements, while heavy and public transport across the city was suspended.

The Red Zone remained closed for a third consecutive day, with employees of both government and private offices instructed to work from home.

According to Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all entry points to the Red Zone were sealed, with police and other law enforcement agencies maintaining strict checkpoints. Srinagar Highway towards Serena was closed from Zero Point, while Kashmir Chowk was also shut for general traffic.

He added that bus terminals at Faizabad and Karachi Company remained closed, and the metro bus service across the city continued to be suspended. "Bus stands and intercity transport terminals across the city also remained closed; however, the bus terminal at 26 Number Chungi has been reopened for the public."

In Islamabad's Blue Area, commercial markets remained closed. Jinnah Avenue, from Khayaban-e-Suharwardy (Khyber Plaza) to Parliament House, was also closed to traffic, while the metro bus service remained suspended.

However, other markets across the city remained open and were operating normally. Educational institutions in the capital also continued functioning without disruption.

In Rawalpindi, security remained on high alert, particularly around the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport and along the Islamabad Expressway service roads, where shopping centres and wedding halls in surrounding areas remained closed.

According to traffic police, markets, hostels and hotels in the Faizabad area along Murree Road also remained shut, with a continued heavy police presence. However, other markets in the city and cantonment areas were operating with routine business activity continuing. No major roads in Rawalpindi were fully closed.