Rawalpindi police deny reports of markets being closed indefinitely

Rawalpindi police on Saturday denied reports regarding the closure of markets across the city until further notice, terming them baseless.

A statement posted on the social media platform X quoted City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani as saying that no directives had been issued by Rawalpindi police regarding the closure of markets.

He said that all markets and businesses were open as usual till 8pm as per the government’s policy.

He added that effective security arrangements were being ensured in view of the “movement of foreign delegations”. He said police teams were actively conducting search, sweep, and combing operations in different parts of the city to maintain law and order.

He said police were working day and night to ensure foolproof security at all times.

Separately, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema also shared visuals regarding reports of hotels and markets being closed until further notice.

“This news is fake and not issued by the district administration. The public is advised not to pay attention to fake news. The district administration Rawalpindi will provide timely and authentic updates,” he said.

The development comes as strict security arrangements are being made in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid an expected second round of talks between the United States and Iran amid the war in the Middle East.