ISLAMABAD/ RAWALPINDI:
Authorities on Saturday night eased movement restrictions across the twin cities, reopening public and goods transport and restoring key civic facilities after a week-long clampdown linked to heightened security arrangements.
The administration in Islamabad allowed all types of transport to enter the city, while bus terminals resumed operations with the exception of Faizabad, which will remain closed until further notice.
Public spaces, including hiking trails, parks, Daman-e-Koh and Lake View Park, have also been reopened.
Alongside the reopening, authorities revised business hours through a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon.
Under the updated order, all shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 8pm throughout the week, including weekends.
However, essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations and dairy outlets, are exempt. Hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and food outlets will close at 10pm, while takeaway and home delivery services will remain unrestricted.
Marriage halls and marquees, including events held at private premises, will also close at 10pm. The revised timings came into effect on April 25 and will remain in force until further notice. Sports facilities, including gymnasiums and clubs, have been allowed to operate until 10pm, extending the previous 8pm limit.
In Rawalpindi, the district administration similarly announced the restoration of all entry and exit routes for private, public and goods transport. Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said all routes had been reopened, although the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand would remain closed until further notice.
Officials said public and goods transport in Rawalpindi had remained suspended for the past week due to security arrangements for anticipated US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad. Authorities have now lifted those restrictions, announcing that Pirwadhai and other transport terminals will reopen from Monday morning (tomorrow).
The administration also confirmed the resumption of mass transit services. The Metro Bus Service will become fully operational from Sunday, running between Saddar Station in Rawalpindi and Shaheed-e-Millat Station in Islamabad, while Parade Ground and Secretariat stations will remain closed until further notice.
In addition, the Punjab government’s electric bus service will also resume from Sunday (today), with all EV routes across the city becoming operational, providing commuters with restored intra-city transport facilities.
