RAWALPINDI: After remaining sealed for 12 days due to security arrangements linked to Iran–US peace efforts in Islamabad, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have fully reopened, restoring normal life.
Transport services resumed, markets reopened, and business activities quickly picked up, particularly in wholesale markets across the cities.
Residents living near Noor Khan Chaklala Airbase, including areas such as Khanna Road, Shakrial, Islamabad Expressway, Shah Khalid Colony, and Shah Faisal Colony, were allowed to return to rooftops, open windows, and resume daily routines.
Hotels, restaurants, marriage halls, and marquees have reopened, with bookings for weddings and related events restarting. The reopening of transport terminals has also enabled citizens to travel within and outside the twin cities.
On Sunday, electronic markets, jewellery shops, and workshops along Murree Road and Rawal Road reopened for the first time in nearly two weeks. Daily wage labourers also returned to work, bringing much-needed relief after days of financial hardship.
With goods transport restored, supplies of pulses, sugar, and other essential items from Faisalabad and Sargodha began reaching wholesale markets again.
Metro Bus service resumed operations and witnessed a heavy rush on its first day, while universities and colleges reopened after a period of online classes. Workers laid off during the shutdown — including bus hostesses, drivers, conductors, and labourers — are now being called back to work.
While traders, transporters, and residents welcomed the reopening, they also strongly criticised the government for imposing the prolonged closure.
Trader leaders Hammad Qureshi and Sheikh Waheed said that shopkeepers suffered significant losses without receiving any government relief.
Sharif Qureshi described the closure as unjustified, while Kamil Shah criticised the shutdown of educational institutions, questioning why local institutions were closed when those in countries at war remained open.