Islamabad declares two-day holiday amid anticipated diplomatic activity

ISLAMABAD: The district administration in Islamabad has announced local holidays on April 9 and 10, with essential services continuing to operate across the federal capital.

In a post on the social media platform X, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed the تعطیلات, sharing a notification issued by the office of the district magistrate.

According to the administration, key institutions — including the Capital Development Authority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Islamabad Police, Islamabad Electric Supply Company, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and hospitals — will remain operational during the تعطیل period.

Citizens have been advised to plan their activities accordingly, though no official reason was provided for the sudden announcement.

The development comes amid heightened diplomatic activity, following confirmation by Masoud Pezeshkian that Iran would participate in peace talks with the United States in Islamabad.

The talks, proposed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are expected to take place on April 10 as part of efforts to reach a peaceful resolution following a ceasefire between the two sides.

However, Washington has yet to formally confirm its participation in the Islamabad dialogue.