Red Zone remains sealed as security eased in parts of twin cities

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI:

Security eased in parts of the twin cities on Wednesday as authorities opened 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 sealed entry to the Red Zone, directing all public and private offices and schools within the area to shift to online operations, while government work in the capital was moved to remote arrangements. Heavy and public transport across the capital was also suspended.

Red Zone remained closed for a third consecutive day today, 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.

Read More: Offices, schools move online as Islamabad Red Zone sealed ahead of US-Iran talks

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, the commercial market 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 as normal. Educational institutions in the capital were also 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 the 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, though police presence remained strong and checking continued. Traffic, including light transport vehicles and private cars, was moving on the Grand Trunk Road and other major routes.

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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 earlier this month. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remained intact, with confidence-building measures being pursued to secure a permanent truce.

Last night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the truce, which was set to expire within hours, would remain in place until Iran submitted a comprehensive plan and negotiations reached a definitive outcome.

The two sides were set to convene in the capital for the second and final round of talks, but no date has been confirmed.