Security alert leads to office closures in Islamabad

The government resolves to shut down all federal buildings in the national capital of Islamabad in preparation for the second round of the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations.

This move is confirmed by a Cabinet Division notification. The red zone is now covered by a high level of security. This means that all ministries, divisions and federal offices will remain closed tomorrow. In reaction, authorities declare work-from-home orders to all federal officers and employees. This will guarantee the smooth running even with the closure.

In the meantime, partial functionality is announced by the Supreme Court. Judicial staff is reduced to a minimum on the orders of Chief Justice of Pakistan. In particular, only key Supreme Court personnel report to work tomorrow. Others work at home and are in touch with supervisors over the phone.

Moreover, the court assures that there are no punishments to be imposed on absent parties or attorneys. Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta Branch registries are fully open. All the concerned institutions are notified of this by the Registrar office. Moreover, the Federal Constitutional Court halts all the proceedings in Islamabad.

It cancels the tomorrow cause list because of red zone. This requires that the court staff work at home and the branch registries carry on with their normal operating. These were steps to emphasize the high stakes of the talks. With increased security, Islamabad is focusing more on security than normal business. The judicial biases in court work strike a balance between the security requirements and the requirements of justice.

On the whole, this coordinated shutdown is an indication of planning. It gives an opportunity to concentrate on the key US-Iran negotiations without interruptions. News will be provided as things go on.