RAWALPINDI (Kashmir English): The Rawalpindi district administration has declared a local holiday across the district on Saturday, April 11, 2026, due to the planned US-Iran talks in Islamabad tomorrow.
The notification issued by the Rawalpindi Deputy Commission stated, “local holiday in the territorial jurisdiction of Rawalpindi District on 11th April, 2026.”
“However, all emergency dealing departments /institutions/authorities shall remain operational,” it added.
Moreover, the authorities have decided to keep all bazaars and markets in Rawalpindi completely closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday due to the arrival of international guests and security concerns, and traders have been directed to follow the instructions.
President of the Central Association of Traders Raja Bazaar and Sadar, Malik Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, said this decision has been taken in the light of government instructions and orders of the district administration.
The statement said that this step has been taken in the context of the arrival of foreign delegations in Islamabad under the instructions of SP Rawal Town and Assistant Commissioner City Iman Zafar and other officials.
Traders have been asked to keep their shops closed, keeping in mind the current security situation, and fully cooperate with the administration so that any legal action or difficulties can be avoided.
The statement also said that if there is any change in this decision, the traders will be informed promptly.
Local holiday on April 9, 10
Earlier, the district administration declared April 9 and 10 as local holidays in Rawalpindi due to the neighbouring city of Islamabad hosting talks between Iran and the US.
Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, issued a notification in this regard late Wednesday night. He, however, said that all necessary services shall remain operational.
Islamabad Talks
The development came amid the Islamabad Talks, where delegations from the United States and Iran will engage in negotiations, following the announcement of a ceasefire.
Earlier today, US Vice President JD Vance left for Islamabad to lead an American delegation that would hold talks with Iranian representatives.
Pakistan, which has positioned itself as a central facilitator for talks between the two sides, and an appeal by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this week, led to a pause in the fighting, with negotiations scheduled for Saturday.
On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed Tehran’s participation in Pakistan-brokered peace talks with the United States in Islamabad to finalise a peaceful settlement to the conflict.
