ISLAMABAD: Authorities have imposed strict security measures in the federal capital, sealing key areas and suspending transport services as Islamabad prepares to receive foreign delegations, officials said on Sunday.
Police announced that the Red Zone Islamabad and surrounding high-security areas will remain completely closed to all traffic until further notice. Alternate traffic routes have been introduced to ease movement for residents.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that all public and heavy transport within the city has been suspended. Similar restrictions have been enforced in neighbouring Rawalpindi, where authorities have halted both passenger and goods transport from Sunday afternoon onward.
While officials have not disclosed details about the visiting delegations, the heightened security coincides with expectations of a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran. No official schedule for these negotiations has yet been confirmed.
Sources indicated that advance teams have already arrived in Islamabad via Nur Khan Airbase. These teams are coordinating closely with local authorities to finalize security arrangements for high-level visitors.
Hotel administrations across Islamabad have reportedly been instructed to vacate premises, while management of guest houses, hostels, and inns have been directed to shut down operations temporarily.
Security deployment has been significantly increased, particularly in Rawalpindi, where more than 10,000 police personnel have been stationed. The overall security plan includes elite commandos and snipers as part of a multi-layered arrangement.
Officials said around 7,000 Islamabad police personnel, 4,000 from Punjab police, and 900 members of the Federal Constabulary have been assigned to security duties in the capital.
The developments follow earlier diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, including direct talks held in Islamabad earlier this month. Although those discussions ended without a breakthrough, both sides indicated willingness to continue dialogue.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high, particularly over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with recent developments underscoring the fragile nature of relations between the two countries.
Authorities say the situation remains fluid, and security measures will stay in place until further instructions are issued.