Lockdown drags on in twin cities amid unclear US-Iran talks

RAWALPINDI: Parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained under lockdown for a fifth straight day as authorities held off on reopening areas sealed due to expected US-Iran talks, with uncertainty still surrounding the high-level engagement.

Areas around Nur Khan Airbase continued to face strict restrictions, with roads, markets and banks closed, confining residents of Shah Faisal Colony, Khalid Colony, Gulzar-e-Quaid and adjoining localities to their homes.

Public transport services remained suspended, including the Metro Bus Service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad and electric buses on multiple routes. Goods transport has also been halted since April 19, disrupting supply chains and daily life.

Residents reported worsening difficulties, including shortages of water, food and fuel, alongside limited access to healthcare and examination centres.

Fayyaz Hussain, a resident of Faisal Colony, said water tankers were unable to reach homes due to road closures, while banking services remained inaccessible. Muhammad Riaz of Khalid Colony said families were struggling with limited food supplies.

Despite heightened security, electricity load shedding has resumed in several areas, drawing criticism from residents. Muhammad Nauman, a resident of Media Town, said outages were occurring multiple times a day, questioning how surveillance systems would function without power.

Fuel shortages have also emerged, with petrol pumps running dry due to the suspension of tanker movement. Oil Tankers Contractors Association spokesman Nauman Ali Butt suggested allowing limited, supervised windows for fuel deliveries to ease the crisis.

Officials said the restrictions were imposed in anticipation of foreign delegations linked to the expected US-Iran talks, adding that a decision on lifting the measures would be taken once directives were received from federal and provincial authorities.

With no clear timeline for reopening, residents remain in limbo as the situation continues to disrupt normal life across the twin cities.