Today, major universities across Islamabad and Rawalpindi announced significant academic schedule changes. Institutions are actively shifting to online classes and postponing scheduled examinations. Local authorities implemented these abrupt changes ahead of the highly anticipated final round of Iran-United States talks in Islamabad.
Major Twin Cities Universities Transition to Online Learning
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) officially halted in-person sessions. Consequently, teachers will conduct all classes online from April 20 to April 24, 2026. The university also postponed mid-term examinations originally scheduled for April 20 and 21. Furthermore, the IIUI administration introduced a four-day work week (Monday to Thursday) for non-teaching staff. Officials mandated that 50% of the staff work from home between April 20 and April 30 to curtail transport and utility expenditures.
Meanwhile, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) closed its main campus for an entire week. Instructors will hold classes via online mode from April 18 to April 26. The local administration firmly directed all students residing in university hostels to vacate the premises immediately. Additionally, all university employees must perform their duties from home, barring essential services staff.
Similarly, Rawalpindi Medical University postponed all scheduled examinations for Allied Health Sciences. The administration made this decision to facilitate students enrolled in universities as they navigate the prevailing uncertain circumstances.
Extreme Security Measures Grip the Twin Cities
Law enforcement agencies have placed Rawalpindi under extraordinary security protocols. Authorities deployed over 10,000 police personnel and established more than 600 checkpoints across the city. Starting midnight tonight, security forces will seal multiple sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport.
Moreover, the government imposed a strict ban on drone flights, pigeon flying, and aerial firing. Officials implemented these drastic measures to ensure absolute security for aircraft carrying high-level foreign delegations. Police also ordered the immediate closure of all boys’ and girls’ hostels within Rawalpindi. Authorities warned hostel owners to forcefully vacate their premises by midnight Saturday or face strict legal action.
Simultaneously, Islamabad remains on high alert. The capital administration initiated the process of obtaining mandatory security certificates from building owners located along sensitive travel routes.
Background on the Impending Talks
Currently, neither side has released an official timeframe for the upcoming diplomatic talks. Previously, the US and Israel launched a joint military offensive against Iran on February 28. Subsequently, Tehran retaliated with direct strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets. However, the active war paused recently on April 8, after Pakistan successfully mediated a critical two-week ceasefire.
