Public transport resumes as Islamabad roads reopen after week-long shutdown
Pakistani police officer divert bikers 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 on April 22, 2026. Photo: Reuters
After a week-long suspension, public transport services in Islamabad were restored on Sunday, with the Metro Bus Service and Green Line resuming operations. Several roads, including the Srinagar highway and Express highway, were reopened after the Iranian delegation departed Islamabad on Saturday without holding talks.
Bus terminals have largely returned to normal operations, except for Faizabad, while the Red Zone remains sealed.
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 was expected to take place in the capital this week; however, US President Donald Trump on Saturday cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan. The Iranian foreign minister also left Pakistan following meetings with senior officials.
Islamabad Police said in a post on X that diversions on the Srinagar Highway and Express Highway may continue at different times, potentially affecting traffic flow. The capital's police advised citizens to allow extra travel time and cooperate with the traffic police.
ٹریفک ایڈوائزری/ مورخہ 26 اپریل 2026
ایکسپریس ہائی وے اور سری نگر ہائی وے پر مختلف اوقات میں ڈائیورشنز لگائی جائیں گی۔
اس دوران ٹریفک کی روانی متاثر ہوسکتی ہے۔
شہریوں سے گزارش ہے کہ وہ اضافی وقت کے ساتھ سفر کریں۔
شہری ٹریفک پولیس کے ساتھ تعاون کریں اور صبروتحمل کا مظاہرہ… pic.twitter.com/RESElF9z1xThe DC added that personnel have been deployed across major roads to assist commuters and ensure smooth traffic management. Citizens have also been encouraged to follow the police WhatsApp channel for updates.
Quaid-e-Azam University, in a notification issued on Sunday, announced that all on-campus academic activities will resume from Monday. However, it added that all austerity measures already implemented will continue to remain in place.
The university, along with several other institutions, had shifted to remote learning last week ahead of the anticipated talks.
In Rawalpindi, security has been further strengthened at churches on the instructions of City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani. Senior officers are supervising arrangements in the field, while thorough body searches are being conducted before entry.
Authorities said all available resources are being used to ensure the protection of religious gatherings and to maintain law and order. Worshippers have been urged to cooperate with security personnel, who are instructed to maintain courteous conduct.
Officials said the overall situation remains under control, with movement restrictions expected to ease gradually as operations conclude.
Read: Despite US–Iran deadlock, Trump again praises ‘great’ PM Shehbaz and ‘fantastic’ CDF Munir
Authorities on Saturday night eased movement restrictions across the twin cities, reopening public and goods transport and restoring key civic facilities after a week-long clampdown linked to heightened security arrangements.
The administration in Islamabad allowed all types of transport to enter the city, while bus terminals resumed operations with the exception of Faizabad, which will remain closed until further notice.
Public spaces, including hiking trails, parks, Daman-e-Koh and Lake View Park, have also been reopened.
Alongside the reopening, authorities revised business hours through a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon.
Under the updated order, all shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 8pm throughout the week, including weekends.
However, essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations and dairy outlets, are exempt. Hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and food outlets will close at 10pm, while takeaway and home delivery services will remain unrestricted.
Read More: Twin cities roll again as travel curbs end
In Rawalpindi, the district administration similarly announced the restoration of all entry and exit routes for private, public and goods transport. Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said all routes had been reopened, although the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand would remain closed until further notice.
Officials said public and goods transport in Rawalpindi had remained suspended for the past week due to security arrangements for anticipated US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad. Authorities have now lifted those restrictions, announcing that Pirwadhai and other transport terminals will reopen from Monday morning (tomorrow).
The administration also confirmed the resumption of mass transit services. The Metro Bus Service will become fully operational from Sunday, running between Saddar Station in Rawalpindi and Shaheed-e-Millat Station in Islamabad, while Parade Ground and Secretariat stations will remain closed until further notice.
In addition, the Punjab government's electric bus service will also resume from Sunday (today), with all EV routes across the city becoming operational, providing commuters with restored intra-city transport facilities.