Universities shift online in Islamabad, Rawalpindi amid heightened security

Published on: April 20, 2026 10:00 AM

Several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday announced changes to academic schedules, shifting classes online and postponing examinations ahead of the expected second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact, with confidence-building measures being pursued to secure a permanent truce. A second round of talks is expected to be held in Islamabad, as US President Donald Trump announced that his representatives are set to arrive in the Pakistan’s capital tomorrow. The International Islamic University Islamabad said all classes will be held online from April 20 to 24, according to a notification. The university also postponed mid-term examinations scheduled for April 20 to 21. The administration introduced a four-day working week for non-teaching staff, from Monday to Thursday, with 50% staff working from home. This policy will remain in place from April 20 to 30. Separately, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi announced that all classes will be conducted online from April 18 to 26. The university’s main campus will remain closed for one week, according to an official notification. The notification also stated that “all students residing in university hostels are hereby directed to vacate the hostels immediately,” adding that employees, including officers, teachers, and staff, “shall perform their duties from home during this period,” while essential staff would remain available as required. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Medical University has postponed all scheduled examinations for Allied Health Sciences. The university administration said the decision was taken to facilitate students in the prevailing uncertain circumstances. New dates for the postponed examinations will be announced in due course, the administration added. COMSATS University Islamabad has shifted all classes online, according to an official notification. It said that from Monday, 20 April, all classes will be conducted online. The university has also postponed the ongoing midterm examinations, it read. All classes will continue online as per the scheduled timetable, it added.