RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD – Metro bus service between the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been fully restored following days of severe disruptions caused by security-linked road closures and fuel shortages .
The service, a lifeline for thousands of daily commuters, had been operating intermittently since April 19 when authorities imposed extensive road closures in the federal capital to facilitate the arrival and departure of foreign dignitaries for high-level US-Iran peace talks .
The disruptions were compounded by a fuel supply crisis after Attock Refinery Limited was forced to shut down its main crude distillation unit due to blocked oil tanker movement . The refinery plays a critical role in meeting fuel requirements across northern Pakistan including supply to public transport networks .
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed that the refinery’s operations were gradually restored after authorities arranged police escorts for oil tankers late Wednesday night . “The refinery has resumed full production capacity, and fuel supply to metro bus service has been normalized,” an official told media .
With the departure of foreign delegations following the conclusion of the second phase of Islamabad talks, road closures have been lifted across the Red Zone . Metro bus service resumed full operations on Saturday morning, with buses running on schedule along the 22-kilometer route from Faizabad to Secretariat .
Commuters expressed relief at the restoration. “For nearly a week, I had to rely on expensive private transport. It’s a huge burden off my pocket,” said Ahmed Raza, a regular passenger . Authorities have assured that security protocols will remain in place but will not disrupt routine public transport operations moving forward .
