Amid heightened security measures in Islamabad, authorities have extended restrictions in the Red Zone, including closures of schools and offices and limits on movement until April 22 (Wednesday).
The decision comes in the context of ongoing Iran–US negotiations, prompting officials to adopt precautionary steps while also directing government employees to continue working from home and remain on standby.
As per the officials, the offices and schools will remain closed on Wednesday, April 21, 2026 with the possibility of further extension.
The Cabinet Division has also extended the work-from-home facility by one more day, instructing employees to continue working from home on April 22 as well.
The notification further directs employees to remain in Islamabad and ensure their availability at short notice if required, for which formal instructions will be issued.
Meanwhile, the Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that Pakistan remains in constant contact with the Iranian side, but as of 7:30pm PST, no official confirmation had been received from Tehran about attending the Islamabad Peace Talks.
It should be noted that the ceasefire between Iran and the U.S ends at 4:50am PST, April 22.
![Muslim pilgrims gather at the top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. [Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo]](https://mmnews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mount-Arafat.jpg)
