Rawalpindi public venues ordered shut

The Pakistani government has issued a sweeping order for the city of Rawalpindi, directing all public venues to close from midnight on April 18, 2026, until further notice. The shutdown mandate includes restaurants, parks, hotels, markets, gyms, barber shops, bakeries, hostels, and madrasas. No official reason for the drastic measure has been provided, and the order states the closure will remain in effect until further notice. The move has caused significant disruption in the city's daily life and commerce.