Staff Report
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.
