ISLAMABAD – Authorities in Pakistan’s capitaln Islamabad announced stern security measures and traffic restrictions across metropolis ahead of arrival of the Iranian President and foreign delegation.
As part of these arrangements, federal government offices located within the Red Zone have been directed to operate remotely, while major roads have been closed or diverted to ensure security.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior (No.10-1/2025-Min-II), all Ministries, Divisions, and other government establishments situated within the Red Zone, Islamabad, will observe a work-from-home policy on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. However, certain exempted offices will continue functioning from their premises as usual.
Heavy Traffic Banned from entering Islamabad
Authorities have imposed a complete ban on the entry of all types of heavy traffic into Islamabad from any direction or highway with immediate effect and until further notice.
Additionally, all entry points leading to the Red Zone have been closed for general traffic, except for routes through Marriott Hotel and Margalla Road.
The Islamabad Traffic Police have announced diversions on several key routes, including:
- Islamabad Expressway (Koral to Faizabad)
- Murree Road
- Club Road
Furthermore, Srinagar Highway has been completely closed between Zero Point and Dhokri Chowk.
To minimize inconvenience for commuters, authorities have issued an alternative traffic plan:
- Traffic traveling to and from Zero Point via Faisal Avenue will be diverted to 9th Avenue.
- If the route from Zero Point to Koral Chowk remains closed, commuters may use Srinagar Highway, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, and Rawal Road to reach Koral.
- Traffic from Park Road will be redirected towards Tramri Chowk if Club Road is closed.
- Citizens traveling between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi have been advised to use Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road.
- Travelers between Rawalpindi Saddar and Islamabad may use Colonel Sher Khan Road connecting to Fakhar-e-Alam (Faqir Aipi) Road or alternatively 9th Avenue.
- Heavy vehicles traveling from Peshawar to Lahore via GT Road should follow the route: Taxila → Motorway → Chakri Interchange → Chak Beli Road → Rawat GT Road.
- Heavy vehicles traveling from Lahore to Peshawar should use: Rawat GT Road → Chak Beli Road → Chakri Interchange → Motorway → Taxila.
Islamabad High Court Closed
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has also announced its closure for the day due to the security arrangements and restricted access to the Red Zone.
A notification issued by Registrar Muhammad Yar Walana, with the approval of Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar, stated that the court’s cause list has been canceled and all judicial proceedings scheduled for the day have been suspended.
Court officers and staff have been instructed to work from home, while district courts in Islamabad will continue functioning normally.
The notification noted that the closure of the Red Zone could create significant difficulties for litigants, lawyers, and court personnel in accessing the High Court. As a result, no judicial proceedings will take place at the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday.
Officers and staff have also been directed not to leave their duty stations without prior approval from the relevant authority.
The extraordinary security arrangements underscore the significance of the Iranian President’s visit and the presence of a foreign delegation in the federal capital. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, follow designated alternative routes, and plan their travel accordingly to avoid delays and congestion.
The measures will remain in effect until further notice, with officials continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
