Public, goods transport services allowed to enter city

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration on Saturday permitted all types of privately-owned public and goods transport services to enter the city which were suspended for the last seven days in the wake of security arrangements put in place for the expected US-Iran peace talks. According to a post by the deputy commissioner (DC) on X, bus terminals across the city have also been reopened, except for the Faizabad Bus Terminal, which will remain closed until further orders. The law enforcement agencies (LAEs) maintained a heightened alert due to the presence foreign delegations for peace talks. The LAEs have completely sealed Islamabad’s Red Zone and areas surrounding it, barring public entry and deploying a heavy contingent of security personnel, including the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Federal Constabulary, Islamabad Police, and Punjab police across sensitive locations. Several major roads leading to the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone remained closed. In Rawalpindi for the last eight consecutive days, streets, link roads, markets and banks around the old airport have remained closed. The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued a comprehensive traffic plan for Islamabad to ease the hardships of motorists. The ITP said that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed to all types of traffic. It says that the entry of all types of heavy transport into Islamabad from any side or route has been completely banned. Heavy transport operators are advised to avoid traveling towards Islamabad during this period to prevent inconvenience. Residents of G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6, and F-7 should use Margalla Road via 9th Avenue for travel to and from Rawalpindi. Traffic from Faisal Avenue towards Zero Point has been diverted towards 9th Avenue. In case of closure between Zero Point and Korral Chowk, commuters have been asked to use Srinagar Highway, proceed via 9th Avenue, then Stadium Road, Murree Road (Chandni Chowk), and Rawal Road to reach Korral. It says that if Park Road to Club Road is closed, traffic will be diverted towards Tramri Chowk. Citizens travelling between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi should use Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road, it says. Residents travelling between Rawalpindi Saddar and Islamabad may use Colonel Sher Khan Road, Fakhr-e-Afghan Road, or 9th Avenue. The capital police have intensified security measures by launching combing and search operations in the different parts of the city, following directives issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Islamabad. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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