Public holiday announced on April 9 and 10

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Division on Wednesday announced a two-day public holiday in the federal capital for April 9 and 10, as Pakistan hosts historic talks between the United States and Iran. The summit follows a ceasefire brokered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the diplomatic efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, ARY News reported.

A formal notification has been issued regarding the public holiday. According to the directive, all government offices will remain closed on April 9 and 10.

However, all government officers, including secretarial staff, have been instructed to work from home (WFH) during this period. Furthermore, government employees have been strictly directed not to leave the capital during these holidays.

The holidays have been sanctioned as Pakistan prepares to host historic diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran on April 10.

High-level delegations from both nations are expected to arrive in Islamabad on April 9.

To ensure foolproof security and manage high-level arrangements for the international guests, the capital will observe a temporary lockdown.

Public Holiday Extended to Rawalpindi Amid High-Level Summit in Capital

Following the lead of the federal capital, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hassan Waqar has announced a two-day public holiday for the district. Similar to Islamabad, the holiday will be observed in Rawalpindi on Thursday and Friday.

Islamabad Grinds to a Halt as Pakistan Hosts Historic US-Iran Peace Summit

Pakistan is hosting talks between the United States and Iran in the federal capital, leading to the suspension of routine political and administrative activities.

According to details, both the National Assembly and the Senate sessions have been postponed indefinitely in view of the ongoing developments linked to the negotiations.

A formal notification has been issued confirming the indefinite postponement of the Senate session, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday at 11:30 am.

In connection with the arrival of foreign delegations for the US-Iran talks, preparations have also begun across Islamabad. Authorities have decided to undertake beautification and arrangements from Nur Khan Air Base to various parts of the capital.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated preparations on an urgent basis, forming teams to oversee the arrangements as work on the capital’s beautification is underway.

Islamabad High Court to Remain Closed on April 9-10 Amid Federal Holiday

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will remain closed on Thursday and Friday, April 9 and 10, according to a communique issued by the court.

The decision was made in line with the federal holidays announced for the capital. The Registrar of the IHC confirmed the two-day closure, noting that all judicial activities will be suspended during this period.

Due to the holidays, the scheduled hearing of the £190 million case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been postponed.

Red Zone Sealed: Islamabad Police Enforce Strict Security for Foreign Delegations

Islamabad Police have announced that security arrangements have been tightened across the capital following the arrival of foreign delegations.

A spokesperson for the Islamabad Police stated that the Red Zone and its adjoining areas are currently closed to all types of traffic, with the exception of authorized government vehicles.

The spokesperson urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel near the Red Zone and surrounding vicinities. Meanwhile, Islamabad Traffic Police personnel are deployed on the roads to facilitate commuters and provide real-time updates.

“Citizens are requested to observe restraint, remain patient, and extend their full cooperation to the Islamabad Traffic Police,” the spokesperson added.

Heavy Traffic Entry Banned in Islamabad Starting Today: Traffic Police

The Islamabad Police have issued a traffic advisory announcing that the entry of heavy vehicles into the federal capital will be restricted starting today, Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the Islamabad Police urged the owners and drivers of heavy vehicles to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure smooth traffic management and security.

For further information or assistance, citizens are encouraged to contact the Traffic Helpline at 1915, the spokesperson added.

In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, US President Donald Trump initially agreed to a two-week ceasefire at the request of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Following this, Iran also accepted the ceasefire and agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the talks.