Islamabad DC says office closure notification for twin cities is fake

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon on Sunday rejected as fake a notification circulating online that claimed all public and private offices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi would remain closed from April 20 until further notice.

In a post on X, Memon urged the public not to circulate unverified information and asked people to rely on official district administration channels for authentic updates. "Citizens are requested to refrain from sharing unverified or fake news. Please rely only on official handles of the district administration, Islamabad, for authentic updates," he posted.

The clarification came as authorities in the federal capital and Rawalpindi put in place a series of administrative and security measures amid preparations linked to the possible second round of talks in Islamabad.

Police said Islamabad’s Red Zone had been closed to traffic, while alternate traffic arrangements were issued for the convenience of residents. Public transport and heavy transport in Islamabad were also suspended until further orders.

The Rawalpindi district administration also halted public and goods transport from Sunday noon until further directives.

Advance teams had also started arriving as preparations continued in the capital.

Traffic and transport restrictions in place

The developments followed broader restrictions announced in the twin cities. Islamabad police said the Red Zone was being sealed for traffic as the capital prepared to receive foreign delegations. The police also issued alternate traffic plans and asked citizens to cooperate with authorities.

At the same time, transport restrictions were enforced on both sides of the twin cities. In Islamabad, public and heavy transport services were suspended until further orders. In Rawalpindi, the district administration suspended public and goods transport beginning Sunday noon, saying the restrictions would remain in place until fresh instructions were issued.

The measures were announced as Islamabad appeared to be preparing for a possible new round of diplomatic engagement. The steps were taken ahead of a possible second round of talks in Islamabad.

Fake notification denied

The deputy commissioner’s statement specifically addressed a purported notification that claimed all government and private offices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi would close from April 20 onward. Memon dismissed that document as fabricated.

His public clarification was aimed at countering misinformation at a time when official restrictions on traffic and transport had already created uncertainty among residents of the twin cities.

Instead, the deputy commissioner’s message made clear that the circulating notice was not genuine and that residents should follow only verified updates issued through official district administration platforms.