Metro Bus, Orange Line Train Suspended in Islamabad and Lahore

Public transport in two of Pakistan’s largest cities — Islamabad and Lahore — came to an unexpected halt on Thursday after authorities temporarily suspended Metro Bus and Orange Line Train services due to heightened security alerts.

Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure following intelligence reports about possible protests and unrest that could threaten commuters’ safety and disrupt operations.

 Islamabad Metro Bus Shutdown

In the capital, the Rawalpindi–Islamabad Metro Bus Service between Saddar Station and Pak Secretariat was ordered to stop operations early in the day. The district administration cited “security reasons” after receiving reports of planned gatherings and potential street protests near key junctions along the route.

Commuters who rely on the metro corridor for daily travel faced major inconvenience. Buses were seen parked at stations as security officials blocked off certain entry points leading to D-Chowk and the Red Zone area.

“We had no idea the service was suspended until we reached the station. It’s frustrating because many of us depend on this route to get to work,” said Ahmed Khan, a regular commuter from Saddar to Blue Area.

Authorities have not announced when full service will resume but said the suspension is temporary and will be lifted once the situation stabilizes.

 Orange Line Train Halted in Lahore

Meanwhile, the Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore also came to a stop following orders from the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA). The measure was introduced after law enforcement agencies issued a security advisory warning of possible protests and clashes along the train’s 27-kilometer track, particularly near Multan Road and Dera Gujran.

According to local officials, several stations were sealed, and security personnel deployed at sensitive points to prevent any untoward incidents.

“This is a safety-first decision,” said a PMA spokesperson. “We’ve halted operations to protect both passengers and staff amid the tense environment.”

The authority is expected to review conditions on Friday before making a decision on reopening the line.

The shutdown of both major transport systems has disrupted thousands of daily passengers.
With the metro and train networks offline, people have turned to ride-hailing apps, private vans, and minibuses, causing a sharp rise in fares and longer travel times.

“The traffic is worse than usual, and drivers are charging double,” said a commuter near Lahore’s Anarkali station. “It feels like we’re back to square one.”

Temporary shutdowns of mass transit systems in Pakistan are not new. Authorities often suspend services during political rallies, security operations, or major protests to minimize risks of damage or chaos.

In late 2024, a similar closure was observed in Islamabad for four consecutive days following political demonstrations near the Red Zone.

Officials from both cities have confirmed that services will resume once law and order improves. Commuters are advised to stay updated through official social media pages of PMA and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).

Transport analysts, however, warn that repeated shutdowns could undermine public confidence in Pakistan’s growing urban mobility network — a system built to offer affordable, sustainable, and reliable mass transit for millions.