A five-day shutdown in Rawalpindi upended normal routines across the city after authorities ordered closures reportedly tied to security concerns related to Iran–US negotiations, The Express Tribune reported. Transport hubs, wholesale markets, business districts, hotels and wedding venues remained closed, bringing trade, schools and court work to a standstill and forcing residents to abandon or postpone essential plans.
Public transport was suspended, pushing many commuters to hire private cars at sharply higher fares. Families dealing with urgent matters, including funerals, often rented entire vehicles at nearly double typical rates. The surge in demand benefited car dealers and showrooms: of roughly 1,470 registered showrooms in the city, small cars were said to be fully booked for trips to Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and other destinations. The shutdown of 34 transport terminals left hundreds of workers out of work.
Authorities verbally allowed transport to resume Tuesday evening, but fear and low passenger turnout prevented a meaningful restart, with operators unwilling to run services without clearer assurances. Security measures remained strict on major arteries such as Murree Road and Rawal Road, and police presence was heavy near the airport. People living within a three-kilometre radius faced tight restrictions, including limits on rooftop access, while nearby markets stayed sealed.
Transport Federation leader Haji Zahoor Arain called for a clearer, more balanced approach, urging controlled operations and designated alternative routes or locations to preserve essential mobility while maintaining security. The Express Tribune and ANI provided reporting for this account.
