“Islamabad Open It Up”: Fawad Chaudhry’s Humorous Remark on Tight Security Amid Iran-US Talks Delay
ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has made a light-hearted yet sharp comment on the heightened security measures in the federal capital, as Islamabad continues to face disruptions due to arrangements linked to the now-delayed Iran-US talks.
Taking to the ongoing debate over strict security protocols in Islamabad, Fawad Chaudhry remarked humorously:
“Islamabad wale ab keh rahe hain bhai jaan, Strait of Hormuz chhor do, Islamabad khol do! Tusi meharbani karo,” suggesting that citizens are frustrated with prolonged restrictions.
The comment comes as Islamabad remains under tight security arrangements despite uncertainty surrounding the next round of Iran-US negotiations. The situation has reportedly affected daily life, with road closures, traffic diversions, and increased checkpoints disrupting routine activities.
Several journalists and commentators have also raised concerns over the extended security lockdown. Senior journalist Ghareeda Farooqi questioned the necessity of continued restrictions, noting that with no confirmed date for talks, the prolonged closure of Islamabad and Rawalpindi is causing significant inconvenience to businesses and citizens.
اسلام آباد والے اب کہ رہے ہیں “بھائ جان آبنائے ہرمز چھڈو اسلام آباد کھول دیو! تواڈی مہربانی” #IranWar
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) April 23, 2026
She wrote on social media that shops remain closed, transportation is affected, and residents are either confined to their homes or forced to leave accommodations due to ongoing restrictions.
مذاکرات کی اب چونکہ کوئی حتمی تاریخ تو ہے نہیں جب تک کہ ایران جواب نہ دے، تو اب بھی اسلام آباد پنڈی کو بند رکھنے کا کیا جواز۔۔۔۔؟ لوگ گھروں میں یا تو قید ہو کر رہ گئے ہیں یا ہوٹلوں ہاسٹلز سے نکال دیے گئے ہیں۔ کاروبار بند، ٹرانسپورٹ بند، روزمرہ زندگی بند ۔۔۔۔ اول تو امن مذاکرات یا…
— Gharidah Farooqi (T.I.) (@GFarooqi) April 22, 2026
Journalist Aamir Ilyas Rana also criticized the situation, stating that business activity in major commercial areas like Blue Area has come to a halt. He highlighted long queues at checkpoints and repeated vehicle inspections, calling the process burdensome for citizens and law enforcement alike.
اسلام آباد تقریبا کاروبار بند کرا دیا گیا ہے بلیو ایریا بند پڑا ہے ناکوں پر تذلیل کا سامان ایک ناکے سے چیک ہوں پھر دوسرا ناکہ آ جاتا ہے اور فیض آباد پرتو ویسے ہی روزانہ ہر وقت کا کمال ہے کوئی پچھے یہ ایم ٹیگ کیوں لگوائے کس کی دیہاڑی بنی ان ناکوں پر تین میں دو لائن اور چار میں… pic.twitter.com/3R9Rh1o8xh
— Aamir Ilyas Rana (@RanaAamirilyas) April 22, 2026
Public discussion continues over whether such extensive security measures are justified in the absence of confirmed diplomatic activity, with critics urging authorities to balance security needs with normal civic life.
