Twin cities reopen public and goods transport routes

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Saturday reopened entry and exit routes for all types of transport, easing restrictions imposed earlier this month amid anticipated foreign delegations.

The decision follows reports that a planned United States delegation visit to the federal capital for talks with Iran has been cancelled.

In a statement, the Islamabad deputy commissioner said all public and goods transport had been allowed to enter the city, with bus terminals reopening across the capital except for Faizabad, which will remain closed until further notice.

The Rawalpindi administration issued a similar notification, confirming that all routes had been reopened for private, public and commercial traffic. However, Pir Wadhai bus terminal will remain shut until further orders.

Transport services in the twin cities had been suspended since April 19, when authorities halted public and goods movement without specifying a reason, citing security concerns and urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

Separately, Islamabad authorities announced the reopening of public recreational spaces. Hiking trails in the Margalla Hills will be accessible from Sunday, while parks including Daman-e-Koh and Lake View have also been reopened.

The administration also issued revised business hours under the federal government’s austerity plan. Markets and shopping malls will close at 8pm, while restaurants, tandoors and food outlets will operate until 10pm, with takeaway and delivery services permitted.

Wedding halls, marquees and similar venues have also been allowed to remain open until 10pm, while sports facilities, clubs and gyms have been directed to close by the same time.

Essential services, including hospitals, medical stores, petrol pumps and dairy shops, have been exempted from the new timings.

The easing of restrictions comes after several days of disruption to daily life, with residents previously facing transport shutdowns, road closures and supply constraints across the twin cities.