ISLAMABAD: Entry into Islamabad’s Red Zone will remain suspended for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, April 21, as authorities tighten the security perimeter ahead of the anticipated arrival of foreign delegations for the US-Iran peace talks.
District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon issued a notification on Monday evening, confirming that the restrictive measures initially enforced on April 19 would continue through Tuesday. The move effectively seals off the city’s most sensitive installations, including the Prime Minister’s House, the Presidency, and foreign embassies, from public access.
Shift to Digital Classrooms and Remote Desks
Recognising the logistical nightmare posed by the closure, the district administration has called for a total shift to remote operations within the sealed sector. The notification explicitly asks all public and private offices, as well as educational institutions located within the Red Zone, to switch to a work-from-home (WFH) model for April 21.
The Federal Constitutional Court and several ministries had already signaled a suspension of physical judicial and secretarial work on Monday. This extension into Tuesday suggests that the diplomatic schedule remains fluid, with security agencies taking no chances during the “second phase” of the peace process brokered by Pakistan.
Traffic and Security Logistics
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police have maintained a strict “official vehicles only” policy for the Red Zone. Major arteries, including the Srinagar Highway and roads leading to Serena Chowk, have seen varying degrees of closure, with commuters advised to use Club Road and alternate routes through the F-sectors.
The administration has reiterated that these measures are temporary but necessary to ensure the “unhindered movement of VVIPs and foreign dignitaries”. Residents are advised to monitor official social media handles for real-time updates on road openings, as the city remains on high alert following the Cabinet Division’s late-night directive ensuring all essential staff remain “at the station” despite the WFH orders.
