Islamabad–Rawalpindi Closure Sparks Misery for Workers and Students
After nearly a week of silence, the roads of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are alive again. Buses are running, markets are reopening, and students are returning to classrooms, according to The Express Tribune. Yet behind this return to normalcy lies a troubling question: was the prolonged lockdown of Pakistan’s twin cities truly necessary?
Authorities had sealed key roads, halted public transport, and restricted movement across the cities in anticipation of high-level talks between Iranian and US delegations. But while Islamabad stood still, life in Washington and Tehran continued without disruption. In Pakistan, however, the wait came at a heavy cost.
For commuters, the shutdown meant long, uncertain days. With metro services suspended and terminals closed, thousands struggled to travel even short distances. Students were pushed into remote learning, their routines disrupted. Quaid-e-Azam University and other institutions only now resume normal classes.
The hardest hit were workers tied to the transport sector. Nearly 45 terminals were shut, bringing business to a standstill. Around 20,000 drivers, conductors, and helpers lost their daily income. Over 2,600 bus hostesses were sent home without pay, many forced to leave their accommodations. Small vendors—tea sellers, mechanics, shopkeepers—also saw their livelihoods disappear overnight.
Local businesses suffered deeply. Workshops stood empty, spare parts shops closed, and roadside stalls vanished. The economic chain linked to transport collapsed within days, leaving thousands uncertain about their future.
Although services like the Metro Bus and Green Line have resumed, some restrictions remain. Key stations are still closed, and traffic diversions continue. Even business hours are shortened, reflecting a cautious return rather than full recovery.
Officials maintain that the measures were necessary for security during sensitive diplomatic efforts. Pakistan did manage to broker a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US. However, the much-anticipated talks in Islamabad failed to materialize as planned, with key envoys cancelling their visits.
Now, as the cities reopen, residents are left to rebuild after days of disruption. The episode highlights a difficult balance between national diplomacy and the everyday lives of citizens. For many in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the cost of waiting proved far greater than expected.
