ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Islamabad district administration has extended the closure of Islamabad’s Red Zone for the general public until April 21, and instructed all offices and schools within the area to shift to online operations.
According to the notification issued by the Deputy Commission of Islamabad, entry into the Red Zone shall remain suspended on 21st April, 2026 (Tuesday).
“In view of the above, it is requested that all offices and schools (Public/Private) situated in the Red Zone may adopt a work-from-home arrangement on the said date to avoid any inconvenience,” it stated.
Public Notification:
Entry into Islamabad’s Red Zone will remain suspended on Monday, 20th April 2026.
All public and private offices and educational institutions located within the Red Zone are advised to adopt work-from-home arrangements to avoid any inconvenience, Thank you pic.twitter.com/WI8x78FigO— DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 19, 2026
On the other hand, an Islamabad Police spokesperson said that all service centers and the Traffic Office Faizabad will continue all activities related to licensing on April 21.
“Citizens can visit these centers for matters related to licensing,” the federal capital police said in a post on X.
Earlier on Sunday, the educational institutions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad also announced shifting classes online as part of the security arrangements in view of the arrival of foreign delegations in the federal capital for peace talks.
International Islamic University Islamabad will conduct online classes from April 20 to 24, while Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University has also announced to move to remote learning and closed its campus temporarily.
Rawalpindi Medical University has also postponed examinations. Several other institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have announced changes to academic schedules, shifting classes online and postponing examinations in view of the foreign delegations’ arrival in Islamabad.
Vance expected to leave for Pakistan on Tuesday
The American broadcaster, CNN, said that US Vice President JD Vance is currently expected to depart Washington on Tuesday to travel to Pakistan for Iran talks.
The media outlet, citing people familiar with the plans, said that a second round of talks between the US and Iranian delegations is currently planned for Wednesday in Islamabad.
It further reported that the situation remains fluid due to continued heated public rhetoric by both the US and Iran.
The White House told CNN there is no formal word on timing but added, “We expect the delegation to be on the road soon, but unclear when.”
