Rawalpindi declares two-day public holiday ahead of US-Iran talks

RAWALPINDI: The Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi, Hassan Waqar Cheema, announced a two-day public holiday on April 9 and 10 on Thursday, directing the closure of all educational institutions and government offices in line with measures already implemented in Islamabad.

The notification issued by the DC’s office stated that the holiday applies across the territorial jurisdiction of Rawalpindi District, but emergency services and essential departments will remain operational.

In addition to office closures, access to the Red Zone will be restricted during this period. Margalla Road will serve as the sole open entry point, while the Serena Hotel will be accessible via Shahrahe-Dastoor. Private offices within the Red Zone have been instructed to remain closed.

Traffic authorities have announced extensive diversions and closures in the capital due to the arrival of foreign delegations. Traffic from Bhara Kahu heading toward Rawalpindi will be rerouted via Bani Gala, while access from Margalla Road toward Rawalpindi will be redirected to 9th Avenue. Vehicles traveling from Faisal Avenue toward Zero Point will also follow the 9th Avenue route. Commuters from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi are instructed to use Ring Road through Bani Gala and Tarlai Road, and those traveling from Rawalpindi to Islamabad via Saddar Murree Road should also take 9th Avenue.

The expressway from Zero Point to Koral Chowk will remain closed in both directions. Traffic from Colonel Sher Khan Road to Faizabad will be diverted via Stadium Road at the 9th Avenue signal. Heavy traffic from Peshawar to Lahore will be routed via Taxila Motorway and Fateh Jang Motorway through Tarnol Phatak, while heavy vehicles from Lahore heading to Islamabad and Rawalpindi will use Chak Beli Road to Chakri Motorway. All heavy traffic entry into Islamabad will remain banned until April 10, and public movement to and from the Red Zone will be fully restricted.

These measures coincide with high-level diplomatic activity in the federal capital, as the United States is sending Vice President JD Vance, along with negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Islamabad for talks with Iran set to begin on Saturday, the White House confirmed. The Iranian delegation is expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The visit follows a two-week ceasefire agreed upon by President Donald Trump and Iran, a development achieved through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire, announced less than two hours before a deadline set by Trump, was designed to halt hostilities and pave the way for negotiations, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif played a key role in appealing for the temporary pause in hostilities, facilitating backchannel discussions aimed at a potential long-term settlement.

The public holiday, restricted access measures, and extensive traffic diversions highlight the Pakistani administration’s efforts to ensure security and smooth operations during the critical diplomatic engagements in Islamabad.