Life returns to normal in Islamabad after eased security curbs

Life in Pakistan’s capital began returning to normal on Sunday morning after days of heightened security.

Authorities in Islamabad relaxed near-lockdown restrictions that had been imposed ahead of planned ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran. The curbs, which also extended to the garrison city of Rawalpindi, had disrupted daily routines for hundreds of thousands, forcing commuters to take long detours, thinning traffic on key roads and making school runs difficult for parents.

By Sunday, barriers were being removed and traffic was gradually picking up across major routes. Residents reported a sense of relief after several days marked by congestion and uncertainty.

In a social media update late Saturday, the government said tourist spots, parks and bus terminals were reopening.

However, security remained tight around the Red Zone, which houses key government offices and had hosted U.S.-Iran talks earlier this month.