Pakistan declares two-day holiday in Islamabad ahead of high-stakes US-Iran diplomatic meeting
PTC News Desk: Pakistan has announced public holiday for two days in Islamabad ahead of the high-stakes between the United States and Iran expected to take place in the capital later this week.
According to the notification issued by the Islamabad district administration, holiday has been declared on Thursday and Friday across the Capital Territory.
While no specific reason was mentioned in the notice, the restrictions have been imposed or holidays have been declared in view of the security arrangements ahead of the high-level diplomatic engagements.
The order clarified that the holidays apply only to the Islamabad Capital Territory and that essential services would remain operational.
“Essential services will remain operational," the deputy commissioner’s office said in a statement posted on X, advising residents to “plan their activities accordingly".
The announcement comes at a time as Pakistan prepares to host delegations from Washington and Tehran for negotiations linked to the Middle East conflict.
The White House has said that US Vice President JD Vance will lead an American delegation to Islamabad “this weekend" for the talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Pakistan would host the delegations following the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
“I… extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes," Sharif said in a post on X.
- With inputs from agencies
