Several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have shifted academic schedules online and postponed examinations ahead of the expected final round of Iran-United States talks in Islamabad.
- Multiple universities have moved to online learning and postponed exams between April 18 and April 26.
- Over 10,000 police personnel and 600 checkpoints have been deployed in Rawalpindi.
- High-security zones near Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport are being sealed.
Academic Disruptions and Campus Closures
International Islamic University Islamabad announced that all classes will be conducted online from April 20 to 24. The university has also postponed mid-term examinations previously scheduled for April 20 and 21.
For non-teaching staff, the university administration has implemented a four-day working week from Monday to Thursday, with 50% of staff working from home through April 30.
Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi has moved all classes online from April 18 to 26. The university’s main campus will remain closed for one week, and all students residing in university hostels have been directed to vacate immediately.
Staff and officers at the Arid Agriculture University will perform their duties from home, though essential staff will remain available. Similarly, Rawalpindi Medical University has postponed all scheduled examinations for Allied Health Sciences due to prevailing uncertain circumstances.
Heightened Security Measures
Authorities have implemented extraordinary security arrangements in Rawalpindi, deploying more than 10,000 police personnel and establishing over 600 checkpoints across the city.
Starting at midnight, several sensitive areas surrounding the Islamabad International Airport and Nur Khan Airbase will be sealed. A total ban has been placed on aerial firing, pigeon flying, and the use of drones to ensure the security of foreign delegations.
In Rawalpindi, police have ordered the closure of all boys’ and girls’ hostels. Owners were instructed to ensure all residents vacated by midnight on Saturday, with warnings of legal action for non-compliance.
In the federal capital, security is on high alert along sensitive routes. The administration has begun requiring security certificates from owners of buildings located along these paths.
Geopolitical Context
These measures follow a period of intense conflict that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran, leading to retaliatory strikes by Tehran on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.
Hostilities have been on hold since April 8, following a two-week ceasefire framework mediated by Pakistan. While preparations for the talks are underway, no official timeframe for the next round of negotiations has been announced by the involved parties.
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