ISLAMABAD: The present uncertainty prevailing in the capital city, in view of protracted peace talks between Iran and the US, has forced the Tableeghi Jamaat – a religious group that always keeps its composure – to postpone its annual congregation for a week.

In view of the prevailing situation in Islamabad, the organisers said they approached the Raiwind, and after consultation, a new date for the Ijtema was set from April 24 to May 1.

The Tableeghi Ijtema was initially scheduled to be held in Islamabad from April 24 to April 26. “The decision was made after an assessment of the situation, to help the government”, said Mufti Mohammad Waqas Rafi, Organiser of the Ijtema.

He said that the date of the Ijtema will be further postponed if the situation remains the same, or the event will be cancelled, adding that the district administration and the organisers were in contact over the security situation and the holding of the Ijtema.

However, officials of the capital police and administration said that uncertainty will continue to prevail in Islamabad until a clear picture emerges on whether the peace talks will bbe held.

About 250,000 to 300,000 people from across the country attend the Ijtema in the capital, which has been taking place for the last over two decades, Mufti Rafi added.

Meanwhile, the district administration said petrol and diesel stock is available in ample quantity at petrol pumps across the city, a spokesperson for the administration said, adding that, however, the administration is reviewing reports of petrol shortages at petrol pumps.

Some petrol pumps reported temporary problems due to the ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into Islamabad. Fuel supply is being ensured at all such pumps through petrol tankers.

Complete monitoring of the stock of all pumps is being carried out on the digital dashboard of the district administration. Immediate action will be taken at any pump if a shortage is reported.

Furthermore, the Red Zone of the capital was still closed on Thursday. All ministries, divisions and other federal government establishments located within the Red Zone, Islamabad, worked from home.

Due to the closure of the Red Zone and strict security in and around the High Security Zone, and the closure of a few entry points, there was a shortage of fuel at the fuel stations located inside the zones and in adjacent areas.

The closure of intra-city and inter-city public transport and the closure of the inter-city passenger vehicle service terminal, except the Chungi No 26, hampered the movement of residents.

Services of CDA-owned passenger vehicles, whose routes fall inside the High Security Zone, were also suspended.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026