International Islamic University Islamabad goes online till April 24, exams postponed
Pakistani flags installed in front of the President’s house, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, on April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
Several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday announced changes to academic schedules, shifting classes online and postponing examinations ahead of the expected final round of Iran–United States talks in Islamabad.
International Islamic University Islamabad said all classes will be held online from April 20 to 24, according to a notification. The university also postponed mid-term examinations scheduled for April 20 to 21.
The administration introduced a four-day working week for non-teaching staff, from Monday to Thursday, with 50% staff working from home. This policy will remain in place from April 20 to 30.
Separately, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi announced that all classes will be conducted online from April 18 to 26. The university’s main campus will remain closed for one week, according to an official notification.
The notification also stated that “all students residing in University hostels are hereby directed to vacate the hostels immediately,” adding that employees, including officers, teachers, and staff, “shall perform their duties from home during this period,” while essential staff would remain available as required.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Medical University has postponed all scheduled examinations for Allied Health Sciences. The university administration said the decision was taken to facilitate students in the prevailing uncertain circumstances.
New dates for the postponed examinations will be announced in due course, the administration added.
High alert before high-level talks
Extraordinary security arrangements have also been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the talks. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, and over 600 checkpoints have been established across the city. Authorities have announced that, from midnight tonight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed.
Read: Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US
A complete ban has been imposed on drone flights, pigeon flying, and aerial firing. Officials say these measures are aimed at ensuring the security of aircraft carrying high-level foreign delegations.
A police spokesperson said that the extraordinary measures are in response to the movement of foreign delegations. A high-level meeting, chaired by Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, was held at Police Lines Headquarters, where directives were issued to ensure foolproof security.
Security measures also include the closing down of all boys’ and girls’ hostels within Rawalpindi until further notice. Police have sent notices to all hostel owners, who have been ordered to vacate their hostels by midnight on Saturday. The warning issued has instructed boys and girls staying in the hostels to return to their homes, with legal action to be taken against those who do not comply.
Federal capital restricted
Security has been put on high alert on sensitive routes in Islamabad as well, with the administration having begun the process of obtaining security certificates from the owners of buildings located on these routes.
However, there has been no official announcement from any of the sides about the timeframe for the next round of talks.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran, and Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.
The war has been on hold since April 8, when Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire.
