Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon on Sunday rejected an online notification claiming that all public and private offices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi would remain closed from April 20 until further notice, calling it fake.
He also clarified that educational institutions in Islamabad will remain open on Monday, adding that no decision has yet been taken regarding their closure.
In a post on X, he urged the public to avoid sharing unverified or misleading information and to rely only on official government sources for updates.
“Citizens are requested to refrain from sharing unverified or fake news. Please rely only on official handles of the district administration, Islamabad, for authentic updates,” he said.
However, in a separate late-night notification, the Cabinet Division stated that all ministries, divisions, and federal government offices located in Islamabad’s Red Zone would operate from home on April 20.
It further added, “All officers and secretarial staff shall remain at the station and be prepared to attend office at short notice if required.”
In another notification, the Islamabad district magistrate said entry into the Red Zone will remain suspended on April 20. It further stated that public and private offices, along with schools in the area, may adopt a work-from-home arrangement on that day to avoid any inconvenience.
Police confirmed that the Red Zone has been closed to traffic as the capital prepares for possible foreign delegations, with alternative routes arranged for commuters. Public and heavy transport in Islamabad has also been suspended until further notice, while the Rawalpindi district administration has halted all public and goods transport from Sunday noon until new instructions are issued.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his envoys will arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening, just a day before a two-week ceasefire is set to expire.
A White House official earlier said the delegation would be led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, although Trump separately told US media that Vance would not be attending.
Pakistan, acting as the main mediator, appears to be making preparations for the talks. Two US C-17 cargo aircraft reportedly landed at a Pakistani airbase on Sunday afternoon carrying security equipment and vehicles for the delegation, according to security sources.
Authorities in Islamabad have further tightened security, suspending public transport and heavy goods movement. Barbed wire has been placed near the Serena Hotel, where previous talks were held, and guests were instructed to vacate the premises.
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