Twin cities transport halt leaves thousands jobless

Ongoing stop-start dynamics in Iran–US peace negotiations have led to the complete suspension of major long-route heavy luxury transport services in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the past 12 days, leaving 2,632 bus hostesses entirely unemployed. Due to non-payment of rent, many bus hostesses in the Pirwadhai area have also been evicted from girls' hostels. Transport companies and bus owners have sent these workers on unpaid leave, telling them they will be called back once terminals reopen. The closure of approximately 45 small and large transport terminals in the twin cities has also brought associated businesses to a halt. These include goods transport operations, makeshift eateries, tea stalls, and cigarette kiosks within terminal premises. On a daily basis, around 5,000 small and large public transport vehicles—including buses, vans, Toyota Hiace coaches and luxury vehicles—depart from these terminals, with a similar number arriving. According to the Transport Federation, between 10,000 and 11,000 vehicles operate in and out of these terminals each day. As a result of the shutdown, nearly 20,000 drivers, conductors and helpers have also lost their livelihoods. Each transport terminal typically hosts five to ten small stalls selling tea, food, water and cigarettes, along with nearby roadside eateries. All have now closed, leaving their workers unemployed. The shutdown has also severely affected vehicle workshops, as business has come to a standstill. With vehicles off the roads, repair work has ceased entirely, leaving workshops deserted. The transport industry and its allied sectors have suffered near-total collapse within just two weeks. Spare parts shops located near terminals have likewise seen their businesses paralysed. Samina Shoaib, a bus hostess with a private company, said all hostesses were temporarily laid off eight days ago. "Our income largely depends on commission, and our salaries are minimal. We've been told to return home and wait for a call once operations resume," she said. A resident of Chakwal, she added that the company had also vacated the hostel accommodation previously provided near Pirwadhai. "We are now returning to our hometowns unemployed. Many have already left, and several may not return." Patron of the Transport Federation, Haji Zahoor Arian, opined that the 12-day closure of terminals in the twin cities has devastated business. "Terminal owners have been supporting employees with basic rations on a self-help basis, but this cannot continue indefinitely," he said. He suggested that if closures within the city are necessary, temporary roadside facilities should be allocated in areas such as Chungi No. 22 or Rawat to allow transport operations to continue.

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Despite US–Iran deadlock, Trump again praises ‘great’ PM Shehbaz, ‘fantastic’ CDF Munir

US President Donald Trump has once again praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts aimed at facilitating peace and negotiations with Iran, despite another pause in the diplomatic process. His remarks came after Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. The Iranian foreign minister also left Pakistan following meetings with senior officials. “I think Pakistan is terrific. The field marshal (Asim Munir) is fantastic. I think the prime minister of Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif) is great, and, you know, they would like to see something happen,” Trump said in a video posted by Pakistan TV on X. President Trump says Pakistan is terrific, Field Marshal is fantastic, and the Prime Minister is great. He says that they would like to see something happen.#USPakistanRelations #PakistanDiplomacy #Trump #IslamabadTalks #PakistanTV pic.twitter.com/ysmpq8bFEo — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) April 25, 2026 However, he announced that he would not be sending his team to Islamabad, citing the long journey and travel costs. “But we’re not going to be travelling 15 or 16 hours to have a meeting with people that nobody has ever heard of,” he said, adding that it would be very expensive and that he is “a very cost-conscious person.” He reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, saying Tehran had “offered a lot, but not enough.” “They will not have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. That whole deal is not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said. This marks the second time this month that the US president has publicly praised PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir for their engagement in efforts to facilitate talks with Iran aimed at ending the conflict. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan On April 17, Trump had similarly lauded the Pakistani leadership, describing them as “fantastic people”. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he wrote: “Thank you to Pakistan and its great prime minister and field marshal, two fantastic people!” The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing dozens of top military officials, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, before a two-week ceasefire was mediated by Pakistan earlier this week. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, and restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas shipments. Fighting later spread to Lebanon after Israel launched an offensive there, widening the conflict, as the United States and Israel continued attacks on Iran. As the conflict continued to expand and intensify, Pakistan emerged as a mediator alongside other regional powers in the escalating crisis. As the negotiation process began, the United States and Iran exchanged their respective positions, but early discussions yielded no progress. However, following sustained diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, both sides agreed to hold talks in Islamabad last week. But, Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement in Islamabad over the weekend during talks that were part of broader efforts to end the conflict. Washington remains locked in a costly impasse with Tehran as tensions between the two sides continue to disrupt global energy markets. Iran has reportedly tightened controls over the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil flows, while the United States maintains restrictions on Iranian oil exports. The standoff, alongside wider regional conflict, has pushed energy prices to multi-year highs and fuelled concerns over global inflation and growth. Iran has said its officials do not plan to meet US representatives to discuss an end to the conflict, which has escalated tensions across the region. The situation briefly appeared to ease earlier this week when US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations, following earlier inconclusive talks involving US and Iranian officials in Islamabad. On Friday, Trump told Reuters that Iran was expected to present an offer to address US demands but declined to provide details. However, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Trump announced he had cancelled a planned visit by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for peace talks with Iran. Trump’s history of praising Pakistan leadership This was not the first time that Trump spoke highly for Pakistan's civil and military leadership as last year while addressing an international event on Gaza peace on October 13, 2025, he said, "I want to thank Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan and also I have to say my favourite field marshal from Pakistan who's not here but the prime minister is here ... give him my regards." In other instances, too, he appreciated PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, crediting them for helping avert escalation in South Asia. The Pakistan-US relationship experienced a significant thaw in 2025–2026, transitioning from a cold period to warm, strategic, and pragmatic engagement during Trump's second term. This shift was largely driven by a major reset in relations following President Trump's intervention in regional conflicts, particularly his role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025. The first thaw in Pakistan-US relations came via secret counterterrorism exchanges, signalling substantive cooperation. In March last year, Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts during a national address, prompting a policy shift. The short but intense May skirmish with India in May 2025 became a decisive turning point, showcasing Pakistan’s military discipline, strategic focus, and asymmetric capabilities - qualities that reportedly surprised Trump. Despite India’s repeated denials, PM Shehbaz continued to praise President Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying his intervention had helped save millions of lives. The praise was reciprocated, with Trump commending the premier and also lauding CDF Munir, as he reiterated claims that he had helped avert a war between Pakistan and India in May 2025. Ties between the countries took a further turn when Trump invited CDF Munir to a luncheon — the first such meeting for a Pakistani military chief — followed by a red-carpet visit to US Central Command headquarters for high-level talks. Following a ceasefire after the prolonged war in Gaza, Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” that included Pakistan, again singling out PM Shehbaz for praise during its inaugural summit. Addressing the event, Trump said, “I like this guy,” referring to the premier, as he recounted efforts that led to last year’s ceasefire between Pakistan and India. He also praised CDF Munir during his remarks.

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Pakistan to continue 'sincere efforts' for peace, PM tells Pezeshkian after setback in US-Iran talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Pakistan would continue its "sincere and serious" efforts for peace in the region after the latest setback in talks between the United States and the Islamic republic. The development comes after US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. The Iranian foreign minister also left the country after a visit with senior officials. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz and the Iranian president held a 50-minute “warm and cordial” telephone conversation on Saturday evening, during which they exchanged views on the prevailing regional situation and ongoing efforts for peace and stability. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan Reiterating Pakistan’s position, the prime minister said: “Pakistan would continue its sincere and honest endeavours to promote regional peace and security.” It added that PM Shehbaz appreciated the participation of the high-level Iranian delegation in talks held in Islamabad on April 11–12, while also welcoming Iran’s decision to send a delegation led by FM Araghchi to Islamabad today. Islamabad: 25 April 2026. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this evening. During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted fifty minutes, the two leaders had a… — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 25, 2026 Sharing details of his diplomatic outreach, the premier said his contacts with world leaders had helped build “broader consensus in support of sustained dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving lasting peace in the war-affected region”. He also lauded the “fruitful discussions” held between the Iranian leadership and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during the latter’s recent visit to Tehran earlier this month. President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir and FM Ishaq Dar for their “significant contribution to the peace efforts”. He also expressed Iran’s desire for peace and said he was confident that “the fraternal ties between Iran and Pakistan would continue to strengthen and expand in the future”. The prime minister also conveyed his “respectful greetings and regards” to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Also Read: Turkish FM says Iran's nuclear issue ⁠could ​be resolved at ​next round of talks in Pakistan Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue coordination on matters of mutual interest. The prime minister said in a later post on X that he had a "warm and constructive telephone exchange" on the evolving regional situation. "I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom I had the pleasure of meeting earlier today. I reaffirmed that, with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan remains committed to serve as an honest and sincere facilitator - working tirelessly to advance durable peace and lasting stability in the region." Had a warm and constructive telephone exchange this evening with my brother, President Masoud Pezeshkian, on the evolving regional situation. I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 25, 2026   Washington remains locked in a costly impasse with Tehran, as tensions between the two sides continue to disrupt global energy markets. Iran has reportedly tightened controls over the Strait of Hormuz — a key shipping route that typically carries around one-fifth of global oil supplies — while the United States continues to restrict Iranian oil exports. The standoff, alongside broader regional conflict involving Israel, has pushed energy prices to multi-year highs, fuelling inflation and weakening global growth prospects. Iran has, however, stated that its officials do not plan to meet US representatives to discuss an end to the ongoing conflict, which has reportedly caused heavy casualties among Iranian and Lebanese civilians and rattled global markets. The situation briefly appeared to ease earlier this week when US President Donald Trump unilaterally extended a ceasefire on Tuesday, allowing additional time for negotiators to resume talks. Read: Pakistan envoy to US says Islamabad committed to diplomacy, regional stability Diplomatic efforts had seemed to regain momentum after an earlier round of inconclusive discussions involving US officials JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Those talks, held in Islamabad two weeks ago, failed to produce any breakthrough. On Friday, Trump told Reuters that Iran was expected to present an offer aimed at meeting US demands, though he did not specify its details. Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a visit to Pakistan on Friday. Around the same time, Trump also said he would be sending a US delegation to Islamabad, reportedly including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, for further negotiations. However, as Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, the president announced that he had cancelled the planned visit by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for peace talks with Iran. When asked by Axios whether the cancellation signalled a possible resumption of hostilities, Trump said: “No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.” Later, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president said the decision was taken due to what he described as unnecessary travel and workload considerations.

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Twin cities reopen transport, bus terminals following week-long shutdown

The federal capital’s district administration on Saturday announced the restoration of transport services, allowing all types of public and goods transport to enter the city after a temporary suspension imposed for security reasons for possible US-Iran talks that never materialised. The development comes amid a fresh setback in the peace process after US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. According to a statement issued by the deputy commissioner’s office, all bus terminals across Islamabad were reopened, except for the Faizabad bus terminal, which would remain closed until further notice. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan The Punjab Mass Transit Authority announced the resumption of Metro bus and electric bus services from Sunday. In Islamabad, the Metro bus would operate between Saddar Station and Shaheed-i-Millat Station, while Parade Ground and Secretariat stations would remain closed until further notice. The electric bus service would also be fully restored from Sunday morning, offering improved intra-city commuting facilities. وفاقی دارالحکومت میں ٹرانسپورٹ کے حوالے سے ضلعی انتظامیہ کا اہم اعلان تمام قسم کی پبلک اور گڈز ٹرانسپورٹ کو شہر میں داخلے کی اجازت دے دی گئی، شہر بھر میں فیض آباد کے علاوہ تمام بس اڈے بھی کھول دئیے گئے ہیں جبکہ فیض آباد بس ٹرمینل کو تاحکم ثانی بند رکھا جائے گا — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 25, 2026 Tthe Islamabad district administration also reopened hiking trails in the Margalla Hills. Hiking enthusiasts would be allowed access from Sunday, while recreational spots, including Daman-i-Koh and Lake View Park, were also reopened to the public. وفاقی دارالحکومت کے شہریوں کے لیے اہم اعلان ضلعی انتظامیہ اسلام آباد کی جانب سے ہائکنگ ٹریلز کو کھول دیا گیا، ہائکنگ کے شوقین افراد کل سے مارگلہ ٹریلز پر جا سکیں گے جبکہ انتظامیہ کی جانب سے دامن کوہ، لیک ویو سمیت تمام پارکس بھی پبلک کے لیے کھول دئیے گئے ہیں — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 25, 2026 In Rawalpindi, the Metro bus service would resume from Sunday, operating between Saddar Station and Islamabad’s Shaheed-i-Millat Station.  Additionally, the Punjab government’s electric bus service and all EV transport routes in Rawalpindi will become fully operational from Sunday. According to a statement from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, the Rawalpindi district administration has fully reopened all entry and exit points of the city for all types of traffic, including private, public and goods transport. However, Pir Wadhai Adda will remain closed until further notice. The District Administration Rawalpindi has fully opened all entry and exit points of the city for all types of traffic, including private, public, and goods transport. However, Pir Wadhai Adda will remain closed until further orders. — DC Rawalpindi (@DCRawalpindi) April 25, 2026  

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Man held for likening Tarnol crossing with Strait of Hormuz

Police have arrested a man for a social media post likening the Tarnol Railway Crossing to the Strait of Hormuz, as heightened security measures remain in place in the capital amid regional tensions. The arrest was made after an FIR was registered on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Shahid Asghar on behalf of the state. The case has been lodged under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 511 (attempt to commit offences) of the PPC. According to the complaint, the accused, identified as Khurram, had shared a post on social media stating, "Tarnol Railway Crossing is no less than the Strait of Hormuz. If it is closed, all our problems will be resolved". Police said the suspect was taken into custody and his mobile phone was examined, where evidence of the post was found. The development comes at a time when extraordinary security arrangements are in place across Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of a possible second round of talks between the US and Iran.

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11 injured in Karakoram Highway crash in K-P's Shangla

At least 11 people were injured in a traffic accident on the Karakoram Highway in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla district late on Friday. Rescue 1122 Shangla District Emergency Officer Eng Malik Sherdil Khan told The Express Tribune that the incident occurred near the Maira area within the jurisdiction of Shangla after nightfall, reportedly due to poor visibility on the main highway. He said that as per initial reports, a collision between a carpool vehicle and a van left multiple passengers seriously injured. Residents, along with police and rescue teams, immediately launched a rescue operation. He said personnel from Rescue 1122 reached the scene promptly and provided first aid to the injured before moving them to nearby medical facilities. Patients with critical injuries were shifted to Ayub Medical Complex. PHOTO: RESCUE 1122 He said that all the injured were initially taken to the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Maira. However, due to the severity of injuries, eight critically wounded individuals were later referred to Ayub Medical Complex in Abbottabad for advanced medical treatment. A local bystander said that the passengers travelling in the carry van were reportedly from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while those in the car belonged to the Bisham and Chakesar areas of Shangla district.

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Islamabad Police arrest man over social media post equating Tarnol Phatak to Strait of Hormuz

The Islamabad Police arrested a man for allegedly equating the Tarnol railway crossing to the Strait of Hormuz, it emerged on Friday. Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran's trade by sea, while Iran has prevented ships from sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway at the entrance to the Middle ​East Gulf. Nearly two months after the US and Israel began their war on Iran on February 28, there is little sign of peace ​talks resuming during an uneasy ceasefire. The closure of the strait has disrupted the supply of a fifth of the ⁠world's oil and gas supplies and caused a global energy crisis. A first information report registered at Tarnol Police Station by Sub-Inspector Shahid Asghar on Tuesday under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), Section 341 (punishment for wrongful restrains) and Section 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or for a shorter term) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) said that the suspect posted content suggesting that blocking Tarnol Phatak in a manner similar to the Strait of Hormuz could help resolve prevailing issues. The FIR said that, in the context of the current national situation, such remarks amounted to a violation of Section 144, which was imposed in Islamabad to maintain public order and prevent actions that may incite unrest. Read: Islamabad maintains security lockdown amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks Acting on a tip-off from a special informant, the Tarnol police apprehended the suspect at Tarnol Chowk, the FIR added, saying that a subsequent examination of his mobile phone corroborated the information received. The FIR further said that the suspect violated the orders of the authorised authorities and incited the public to block Tarnol Phatak. It said the suspect was taken into custody and that legal proceedings had been initiated in accordance with the law. It added that strict action was being taken against individuals who spread content on social media that could disrupt peace or encourage unlawful activities. For nearly a week, the federal capital has been waiting for peace talks between the United States and ​Iran to take place there and large parts of the city ‌remain sealed off by authorities. Key roads leading into Islamabad are shut down, and a strict security cordon envelops the administrative centre, the so-called "Red Zone". In the adjacent "Blue Area", cafes have run out of fruit, markets are deserted and with no service at bus terminals, weekend commuters are struggling to get home. The current lockdown is the second in two weeks. Islamabad was first sealed off for talks between the US and Iranian delegations on April 11 that ended without a deal. The city briefly reopened, then locked down again as Pakistan waits to host a second round that has yet to materialise.

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