Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Dismisses Fake Notification on Office Closures; Security Measures Continue Ahead of Possible US-Iran Talks

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ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon has dismissed a fake notification circulating on social media that announced the closure of all public and private offices in the federal capital and Rawalpindi from April 20 until further notice. In a social media post on X, Memon urged citizens to refrain from sharing unverified or fake news and to rely only on official handles of the district administration for authentic updates, as reported by Dawn.

The statement comes as authorities implement a series of security measures ahead of a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from Dawn, which provided multiple updates, indicates that the denial from the Islamabad deputy commissioner was issued on Sunday, following a series of other precautionary measures. The same outlet also covered responses from Rawalpindi authorities, who separately refuted rumors about market closures, transport terminal shutdowns, and a local holiday.

While some reports circulated on social media about widespread closures, the district administrations of both Islamabad and Rawalpindi have consistently denied these claims, urging the public to consult official channels for accurate information.

Key Claims

Office Closure Notification Dismissed

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon dismissed as fake a notification that claimed all public and private offices in the federal capital and Rawalpindi would remain closed from April 20. The denial was issued on social media, where he also asked citizens to avoid spreading unverified news, according to reports carried by Dawn in multiple articles.

Transport and Road Closures

Islamabad's Red Zone was closed for traffic as the capital prepared to welcome foreign delegations, with alternate traffic plans issued to facilitate citizens. Public and heavy transport were suspended in Islamabad until further orders, while the Rawalpindi district administration suspended all public and goods transport from Sunday noon until further directives, according to police and administration officials quoted in Dawn.

Later, however, the Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations refuted reports about the closure of transport terminals. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon stated that all bus terminals in Islamabad, including Faizabad, were open and operating as usual. A traffic police official also clarified that inter-city transport in Islamabad was operating normally and no shutdown had been ordered, adding that any future decision would be communicated in advance through official channels, as reported by Dawn.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema similarly said that all private, public, and goods transport were fully operational and permitted in the district, according to his post on X.

Market Closure Reports Denied

Rawalpindi police denied reports about the closure of markets across the city, terming them baseless. City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani said no such directives had been issued, and all markets and businesses were open as usual until 8pm as per government policy. He also noted that effective security arrangements were being ensured in view of the movement of foreign delegations, including search, sweep, and combing operations in different parts of the city, according to a statement quoted in Dawn.

Local Holiday Notification Refuted

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema refuted a notification that claimed a local holiday had been announced in Rawalpindi for April 22. He labeled the notification, circulating on social media, as fake and urged the public to rely only on official sources for authentic information, as reported by Dawn.

Other Security Measures

In Rawalpindi, some roads have been closed, and many universities and schools have also been shut while others remain open, according to reports cited by Dawn.

Dawn also reported, citing sources, that advance teams had started arriving in Islamabad ahead of the possible talks.

Perspectives

Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have consistently emphasized that the closure rumors are unfounded and have urged the public to rely on official channels. The security measures, including traffic redirections and enhanced police operations, are part of preparations for high-level diplomatic visits, as explained by officials.

Meanwhile, the circulation of fake notifications and unverified reports highlights the challenge of maintaining public trust during heightened security operations, as noted in official statements quoted by Dawn.